Hi! My name is Subi Gatzimos, and I am seven years old.

I have Down syndrome. That means I was born with an extra "chromosome"; this chromosome made me slow in the mind and I can't do some things, not like most kids my age.

I can't read very good, and I am only learning my letters. Someday I hope to learn my letters more so I can learn to read and write better. (My lady-teacher is helping me do this writing.) I also can't run fast, and I act younger than seven. I act more like a two year old; everything is very hard for me.

I can't dress myself without help, and I have only been walking for two years. I go to a special school for kids with handicaps; there the teacher-ladies help me with my letters, getting dressed, and the names of things. They tell me I am doing a good job, but I am not so sure; sometimes I get so frustrated I cry. Learning new things is not easy for me.

My health is pretty good, but I get sick easily. I get a lot of colds or chest infections, and sometimes my heart acts up. When this happens, I have to go to the hospital, so the doctors and nurses there can help me, make me feel better. I have had to had a couple operations on my heart in the past, may have more soon. I hope not; being in the hospital is not fun. I don't like getting poked all the time with needles, and some of the things they do to me hurt!

I have a very nice family: my mamma, my daddy, my brother Darwin (he's ten), and baby brother Yardley (he's one and into everything). I have a cat named "Skittles" and a hamster named "Humphrey"; I love my pets very much, especially my kittycat. He purs in my ear, and it makes me happy.

When I am not at special needs school, I like to draw, watch television (I like "American Idol" and the church programs), go to church (I love to hear the people sing and I love the preacher-man), sing, eat fried chinny (that's chicken to you, but I can't say it so I call it "chinny"; it's easier), French fries, and drink pop called Coke, and play with my family. I also like to talk on the phone and be with my school buddies.

Next year, I am going to try out for Special Olympics. I am very good at jumping, and I may try out for that. I know I could win a medal. I have gone to several Special Olympics in the past, and it's always a lot of fun!

Well, I am going to go now, time to get back to my school. Teacher-lady says she want to help me with other things.

~Subi, aged seven.