Down syndrome is caused by a genetic defect on the twenty-first chromosome. It is also referred to as Trisomy 21 because most affected people have a third copy of the chromosome, so appropriately March 21 (3/21) is Down Syndrome day. There are many people who have to deal with living with this genetic abnormality, but their worlds and lives are anything but abnormal.

Take John Cronin. He is the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, an online store that sells, well, crazy socks of all descriptions and in sizes to fit just about anyone from babies to adults. Why did John decide on socks? Well, he is creative and funny, can be loud, is edgy, is corny, is a guy who wants to give something back. Oh, and he loves socks! He also loves people and loves helping people and if he can give someone a smile with his crazy socks, he has achieved his mission

John is a young man with Down syndrome. He is also a student studying retail and customer service at a tech school near his home not to mention he is an entrepreneur with the online sock store. He is also an athlete who competes in snowshoe, basketball, track, soccer, floor hockey and bowling with the Special Olympics. Talk about a multi talented guy! Yes, it is more difficult for people with Down syndrome to play sports as one of the effects is low muscle tone, but with practice anything is possible. A spirit that is undying doesn’t hurt either, and when you don’t have snow to practice snowshoe on what’s a guy to do? Hit the beach, that’s what. Training on sand works too!

John and his co-founder dad stress The Three S’s in their company which are socks, service and Special Olympics. 5% of their sock profits goes directly back to Special Olympics and their many programs.

John’s Crazy Socks is his company and he’s proud of what he has achieved, but it is not all of what John is. He is a person who prides himself on customer service and being kind to all, no matter what. He has shown that it doesn’t matter if you happen to have a disability, if you want to do something you can, even if you need a little help or it takes you longer to realize your dream. If you can dream it, you can do it, just like John.