Down syndrome is a disorder that many can recognize, but few in the general public really understand its cause and health complications. It occurs when a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. The genes function normally, but having an extra throws the delicate balance of the body off, leading to health issues, mental disabilities and the distinct facial features identified with Down syndrome. This Saturday, Oct. 11, the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) will hold “One Extra Reason to Live... Love...Hope,” the third annual benefit and dinner at Twist Restaurant and Lounge in Hollywood. Hosted by actress Jane Leeves, the evening will celebrate these amazing individuals along with raising awareness and money to improve learning, memory, speech and treat neurological decline.

This is the second fundraiser Leeves has hosted for DSRTF. Known for her Emmy-nominated role on “Frasier” as Daphne Moon, the actress will soon star in the new season of “The Starter Wife.” Leeves’ connection with Down syndrome is a personal one that goes back years ago. “As a teenager I volunteered at a day camp,” she explains. “I was a horribly gawky, skinny, awkward thing at that age and the kids that were nice and caring to me were the ones with Down syndrome. Their acceptance helped me out at a time in my life when I really needed it.”

The experience always stayed with Leeves and when she was introduced to a group of parents with Down syndrome children, their excitement over DSRTF’s work was contagious. Through their fundraising efforts, Leeves was introduced to Dr. William Mobley (Director of the Center for Research and Treatment of Down Syndrome at Stanford University and Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado Denver).

Last year, Dr. Mobley spoke with LAist about his mission: “I think those with Down syndrome need additional help to live independently. If we can help increase their cognitive ability, even modestly, we can make it easier for them to go to school, to make friends, ideally to live independently, have jobs, get married and drive cars. That’s what we want to go from here.”

Says Leeves, “I have such a strong belief in Dr. Mobley and the work he is doing. The research benefits not only people with Down syndrome, but all people. Not only is he a scientific genius, but he’s also highly entertaining. He is able to explain very well these concepts and communicate this research to people who are not familiar.”

As for the upcoming benefit on Saturday, Leeves is looking forward to lending her time to such a worthy cause. “Last year’s fundraiser was a very intimate, grassroots-level affair. I was so impressed with the commitment by the parents and volunteers. It’s exciting to be involved at this level and watching it build more and more every year. I’d like to see the fundraising expand more awareness throughout the community, not just for people who have Down syndrome or a loved one with it. If this can grow and the funding for research can also grow, God knows what is possible.”

3rd Annual “One Extra Reason to Live...Love...Hope” Benefit for Down Syndrome Research
Saturday October 11, 2008
7pm

Twist Restaurant and Lounge
1755 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90029

Photo by An Tran/LAist