92 percent of people with Down syndrome will develop Alzheimer’s.  

This is an awful reality faced by our co-founder, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and all people with Down syndrome.  Advances in medical care, particularly in cardiac surgery, earlier diagnosis and treatment of complications, better understanding of nutritional needs, and improved societal inclusion and support have dramatically extended the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome from about 10 years in the 1960s to 60+ years today. But this positive change has brought with ita terrible darkness.  

LuMind IDSC  is out to change that fate by increasing and improving research into Down syndrome and Alzheimer's. Last night, our co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer, John Cronin, joined an inspiring evening hosted by LuMind IDSC at The River Club in New York City. Alongside his parents, Mark and Carol, John attended this important event to hear the latest information and research on the link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Bridging Communities: Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Research 

LuMind IDSC  is one of our charity partners, and their mission aligns closely with ours: to create a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunity. Last night’s gathering offered the latest updates in research and care strategies for individuals with Down syndrome who face a higher risk of early-onset Alzheimer’s. 

The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers: 

Their insights underscored both the urgency and hope in this area of study. The panel discussion was moderated by James Hendrix, Ph.D., Executive Director at Eli Lilly and Co., who helped guide a thoughtful Q&A session with attendees. 

John and John’s Crazy Socks Show  Our Support for LuMind IDSC 

John and John’s Crazy Socks do more than just talk about this issue. John and his parents are participating in a medical study on Alzheimer’s among people with Down syndrome so medical researchers can understand better understand the connection. John’s Crazy Socks donates to  LuMind IDSC  as one of our charity partners. In their speaking engagements, John and Mark highlight the reality of Alzheimer’s disease for people with Down syndrome. And they meet with families considering joining a medical research study.  

“This work matters. It helps my friends. It helps me,” said John. “We want to spread happiness and support research that makes a difference.” 

Let’s Keep Moving Forward 

We thank LuMind IDSC for hosting such a meaningful evening and for their tireless work to bridge the gap between research and the Down syndrome community. We’re honored to walk alongside them on this journey—one step, one sock, one act of kindness at a time. 

Want to join the movement? Support LuMind IDSC.  Shop Awareness Socks.  Help us keep spreading happiness, today and every day. 

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 the 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 of their employees have a differing ability, and their  Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 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™.