GEORGETOWN, S.C. —  When Jenna Anderson was born, her mother said she had very little information about children with Down Syndrome.

Kimberly Anderson, the mother of a Down Syndrome child, is now part of the Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society.

The group, organized about five years ago, will have a dance Saturday, and celebrate National Down Syndrome Day on Sunday, to raise money and bring awareness to Down Syndrome.

“When we got home from the hospital with Jenna, there were a lot of old facts,” Kimberly said. “There was information that said they wouldn’t live past 20 and they would have a lot of heart problems.

“It was just old information. Times have changed.”

Growing group

The Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society, which began with just a few members, now has about 60 families from Horry and Georgetown counties, Kimberly said.

The group was started by Sharon Hughes, Courtney Fields and Diane Grover, she said.

Parents now get together about once a month to talk about issues affecting their children and learn more about how they can help them, Kimberly said.

The children take field trips, such as outings to local bowling alleys, she said.

During Mom’s Night Out, parents talk about and share ideas on what they have experienced with their children.

“It’s good to have a group to compare with,’’ Kimberly said. “It gives you an idea of what to expect.”

Different challenges

The children who have Down Syndrome have different health problems and different challenges, she said.

While some have heart problems, others do not. Since their airways are smaller, the children have a tougher time with colds and respiratory problems.

Children with Down Syndrome can also have problems with their thyroids and weakened immune systems, she said.

Jenna has had problems with the strength of her muscles on her hips, so she takes therapeutic riding lessons, her mother said.

She has not had heart problems, her mother said.

Jenna goes to therapy, where she smiles and laughs as she is twirled on a swing.

Jenna attends kindergarten classes at McDonald Elementary School.

“She can count from one to 10 and she knows her colors,’’ her mother said. “She’s doing well.”

Benefit dance

During this weekend’s dance, the Stardusters Band will perform at the benefit concert.

The dance, which is open to everyone, is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

The event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Grisson Parkway Campus, in Myrtle Beach.

Children are welcome at the family-night event.

The event is free, but any donations are welcome, Kimberly said.

Donations help the children take field trips and also pay for parent information packages, she said.

The packages contain information about Down Syndrome, a book and blankets and bears made by people in the community.

“In the Welcome Center of the Hall where the dance will be held, we are going to have information about the GSDSS, and Down Syndrome in general,” according to information from the Down Syndrome Society.

“We will highlight the NDSC campaign, “We are More Alike than Different,” and will be showcasing lots of pictures of our past events, and of our members.”

The National Down Syndrome Congress has the theme of “We are more alike than different,’’ according to Internet sources.

“The world will be reminded that people with Down syndrome are more like everybody else than different. That they love to dance, bowl, have pets and jobs. That like all people, they deserve respect and a fair break.”

For more information on the Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society, email, grandstranddss@hotmail.com or call 283-0890.

The Web site for the organization is GSDSS.net.

By Kelly Marshall Fuller

Kfuller@gtowntimes.com