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Lauren (left) and Hailey Puhr of Tillsonburg painted their fingernails blue in support of their young friend Declan, and in recognition of the eighth anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, Thursday, March 21. The date was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The original idea was proposed by members of the European Down Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome International. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, being universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines, and affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues. In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome and in an effort to encourage an equal, inclusive society for all.