Down Syndrome Awareness SARAH MACKINTOSH SPOKE TO TRUDY CHETTY, MOTHER OF A SON WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND FOUNDER OF NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION, YOU’RE MAGICAL.
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aving a son diagnosed Down syndrome inspired Trudy to start a non-profit organisation called You’re Magical. It is designed to assist individuals with Down syndrome and their families, aiming to create an inclusive community by creating public awareness on Down syndrome. Trudy and her husband, Trevor, have two sons. Their youngest, Joshua, is in grade 1 and is a very enthusiastic and energetic boy – according to his mom, there is never a dull moment with him around! “Joshua
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is good at almost anything he puts his mind to, as little as he is. He’s very helpful, even with chores around the home. He is intellectual and is the most curios one at home, with a warm happy personality,” says his proud mom. Joshua loves fishing - his favourite hobby (aside from bike riding and skate boarding). Big brother Tristyn has Down syndrome and has the most beautiful calm, caring, warm and loving personality. He always sees the good in people and is very protective over his little brother.
“He loves his music and can sit for hours watching or listening to praise and worship music or watching Christian preachers. He enjoys walks with us on the beach front and his favourite sport is swimming. He enjoys good food and loves a good braai. He is very hospitable, which even won him an award at school for hospitality,” says Trudy. “Tristyn really enjoys communicating with family and friends. During the lockdown, his favourite device was his cell phone. Tristyn is extremely helpful with household chores like
