On the second day of our 12 Days of Giving, John’s Crazy Socks is supporting a charity partner near and dear to our hearts: the LuMind IDSC Foundation. For every order we receive on Friday, December 2, 2022, we will donate $1 to LuMind.
LuMind IDSC is a leading organization in supporting and organizing research into Down syndrome. They serve as a bridge between the Down syndrome community and the research community. They do this by accelerating research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and empowering families through education, connections, and support.
We support the work that LuMind does particularly into the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. A person with Down syndrome, a person like John, has a 95 percent chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease by age 65. LuMind is working diligently to change this outcome.
John Cronin, our Co-Founder and an entrepreneur who has Down syndrome says, “I love the work that that LuMind IDSC Foundation does. They are making a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome, people like me.”
Why the Work of LuMind is so Important: Nearly Every Adult with Down Syndrome will Develop Alzheimer’s Disease
It is frightening to realize that nearly every person with Down syndrome (95 percent) will develop Alzheimer’s disease by age 65. This means John and our colleagues with Down syndrome so it is very personal to us here at John’s Crazy Socks. Most people with Down syndrome will begin showing signs of the disease as early as their 40’s. In fact, Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of death of people with Down syndrome.
The Washington Post reported: “Of the 210,000 people with Down syndrome, about a third have Alzheimer’s, or are at high risk because of their age, with the average age of diagnosis about 54. The illness worsens relatively quickly, with individuals dying within four years.”
John Enrolls in a Medical Research Study on Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome
This summer, John enrolled in the Longitudinal Investigation for the Enhancement of Down Syndrome Research (LIFE-DSR), a multi-year, coordinated research study by medical and academic professionals to track and analyze the medical and physical data of 270 adults with Down syndrome. We were introduced to the study by our friends at LuMInd and they helped make all the arrangements for John to join the study.
You can read about John’s involvement with this medical research study here. If you are a person with Down syndrome or have a family member with Down syndrome, please consider joining the LIFE-DSR study. The study is currently taking place at 14 sites in 10 states and welcomes participants from across the country. If you need - help with travel or expenses – LuMInd can help.
Our Charity Partner LuMind IDSC
You can see why LuMind is such a valuable charity partner to John’s Crazy Socks. Their work is giving hope to people with Down syndrome and their families.
Mark X. Cronin, John’s Co-Founder and father, said, “The people at the LuMind IDSC Foundation are changing lives. They advocate for more research, they support medical research programs and they support people with Down syndrome. I am overwhelmed when thinking of the difference they are making and the hope they offer to my son John and all people with Down syndrome.”
In addition to our donation from the 12 Days of Giving, we donate 10 percent from the sale of our Forget Me Not – Alzheimer’s Awareness Socks to LuMind. John designed those socks in honor of his grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease.
John also donates 10 percent from one of his favorite designs – The Patriotic Firework Socks – to LuMind.
You can also support the work of LuMind IDSC by making a contribution that will support this vital research. Your donation will enable more people with Down syndrome to enroll in studies and receive treatment. You will change the world for John and thousands like him as well as their families.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
