March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, or 3-21 -- the number for the chromosome set that causes Down syndrome.

The day is meant to encourage people all over the world to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is and what it means to have it. One local mother Spectrum News spoke with, whose son has Down syndrome, wants the world to be aware that her child is just like everyone else.

"Individuals with Down syndrome have strengths and weaknesses just like everybody else, and challenges. But they feel, and hurt and love just like everybody else and want to be included," says Cindy Serviss, a nurse at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. 

World Down Syndrome Day has been observed since 2012. Approximately 1 in every 700 babies in the U.S. are born with Down syndrome.