Defying Gravity: Best friends speak at ACU on life with Down syndrome

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Friday is World Down Syndrome Day, a time to raise awareness about those who were born with an extra chromosome. Wednesday, at Abilene Christian University, college students heard from two best friends who explained how they defy gravity by not letting Down syndrome defy them.

Ethan Etter talked to students about his life and how he lives each day despite his condition.

“Down syndrome does not define who I am, it’s just a part of me,” Etter said to the crowd.

Defying Gravity, inspired by the recently released movie ‘Wicked’, was the theme of their talk to university students about how they overcame challenges.

Etter’s mom, Cheryl, shared, “We’re just in awe of their goodness and how they can break barriers down. Defying gravity could mean so much more than just Down syndrome, it’s living different lifestyles. Our kids defy gravity all the time.”

Cheryl and Angie Martin, Hope’s mom, were both there to support and help spread the message that they are just like everyone else — something Etter’s mom reminds him of every day.

“My mom tells us we are not kids with Down syndrome kids anymore because we are adults,” Etter said.

Hope has expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the very beginning.

“I have an amazing mom because she is my best friend in the world to me. I want to say how great a mother she is because my mom adopted me because my other parents gave me up for adoption,” Hope said.

They continue to use their friendship and family love to show who they are beyond Down syndrome.

The families are encouraging residents in the Big Country to sport blue and yellow on Friday and maybe wear a pair of crazy socks, to help raise awareness about Down syndrome.