When an individual is born with Down Syndrome, there are certain things that the family might expect. Although each person with Down Syndrome is an individuals, they do have an increased risk for certain problems, such as respiratory issues, thyroid conditions and congenital heart defects. They also have a life expectancy that is lower than average, which is why Frances Gillett has shocked everyone.
You see, the average person with Down Syndrome is going to live to be 60 years old. That number is up considerably. Back in 1983, the average life expectancy was only 25! Frances is the oldest woman with Down Syndrome and she has celebrated her 75th birthday. As you will be able to tell from the pictures below, she certainly was happy, and she has good reason for feeling that way.
Not only has she become the oldest woman with Downs, she is a survivor of some serious health problems, including breast cancer and tuberculosis. She was born in 1941, and we have high hopes that she will also celebrate many more birthdays in her lifetime.