Legend Johnson is one of 500 people with Down syndrome who have been chosen to appear in the upcoming National Down Syndrome Society’s hour-long Times Square Video presentation, which kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk—a big honor for the Summit, Mississippi, child.
The annual video presentation aims to raise awareness of people with Down syndrome and their families.
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) announced his selection on Instagram, writing, “Legend is an energetic, playful, and lovable boy who keeps everyone on their toes (and smiling!) His story is a reminder that every child is a gift, and that with love, support, and faith, their light can shine all the way to New York City.”
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Aleshia Johnson, Legend’s mother, told WLBT3, “This is something that happens annually in New York, and Legend’s photo was chosen. We are just honored and just so grateful for being able to see the manifestation of what was spoken over his life. So we are very, very excited.”
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Aleshia Johnson learned that Legend Johnson might have Down syndrome while she was just five months along with him.
The Cleveland Clinic states that Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which an individual is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This means they have 47 chromosomes, not 46. This can have an impact on their brain and physical development.
It’s important to note that Down syndrome is not caused by anything the parents did before or during pregnancy as it is a genetic condition. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in the United States. An estimated 6,000 babies are born with the condition in the U.S. every year, which equals about 1 in every 700 babies. About 200,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
The extra chromosome in a child with Down syndrome may cause difficulties in cognitive development. This may result in developmental or intellectual problems that affect their speech, play, learning, and walking.
However, according to his mother, Legend Johnson, who is currently three years old, never gets tired of playing.
“He’s very active. He loves to play; he loves to talk. He’s just great,” Aleshia Johnson said. “He’s just very, very active. He keeps me busy, keeps me on my toes.”
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As he waits for his big moment in New York City, the child has been spending a lot of time at Mother Goose Corner in McComb. Even though he has Down syndrome, the daycare workers say they do not consider him any different from the other kids.
“It has been not challenging for me. To me, he’s just like any other child,” said Sonja Jackson, owner of Mother Goose Corner. “I mean, we love on him and he just does lovable things that make you laugh. I’m learning every day; it’s something different every day. I’m learning his little character which is very sweet.”
Aleshia Johnson shared a word of encouragement with families who have a relative with Down Syndrome, saying, “To any family that’s out there: get you a great, great support system. God is first in our life. I could not do any of this without the Lord’s help and I thank God. One of my friends told me, ‘You think that you’re for Legend, but Legend is for you.’ God gave him for me and I wouldn’t change a thing about him.”
Legend Johnson’s photo will be among hundreds of others from all 50 states that will light up the center of New York City on September 6.
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