Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. was noteworthy for several reasons, but the 'man of God' truly warmed hearts when he kissed a child with Down syndrome, filling the parents with hope.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to discussing Down syndrome, its impact and prevalence rates in the Latino community.

One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, which is the most common genetic condition or autosomal abnormality among live births, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. There are approximately 400,000 Americans living with Down syndrome and about 6,000 infants born with Down syndrome each year in the U.S. Alongside bringing awareness to the sydrome, Down Syndrome Awareness Month is about acknowledging the accomplishments and abilities of those with this condition.

What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a congenital disorder that arises from a chromosome defect, resulting in intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities, such as broad facial profile, short stature, low muscle tone, stocky limbs, small ears and/or slanted eyes. Health problems are also likely, manifesting in the form of heart defects, eye conditions, depression, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, respiratory infections or behavior problems associated with ADHD.

There are three different types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), translocation and mosaicism. Trisomy 21 is the most common, representing 95 percent of Down syndrome cases, and mosacism is the least common, representing only about 1 percent of all cases. Individuals with mosaic Down syndrome tend have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome than those with other types of Down syndrome.

According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association during May of this year, more than one-third of U.S. adults have a combination of health problems, identified as metabolic syndrome. The study, which uses data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that Hispanics are disproportionately affected. Hispanics have the highest prevalence rate, with 39 percent suffering from the syndrome; non-Hispanic Whites followed at 37.4 percent and blacks followed at 35.5 percent. Additionally, the report shared that metabolic syndrome increases with age. Nearly half of people 60 or older have the syndrome.

Nonetheless, Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. However, older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Approximately 1 in 350 35 year old women conceive a child with Down syndrome, and that increases to 1 in 100 for women for women who are 40. Incidence rates are 1 in 30 for 45 year old women, according to information offered by according to the National Down Syndrome Society.

Additionally, a woman who has already given birth to a baby with trisomy 21 is more likely to have another baby with trisomy. Also, all three types of Down syndrome are genetic conditions, however only 1 percent of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component.

Despite the challenges faced by individuals born with Down syndrome, there are many who are flourishing in their respective field. Actors Lauren Potter, Luke Zimmerman, Jamie Brewer, Tommy Jessop, Chris Burke, Edward Barbanell and John Taylor prove this.

Valentina Guerrero was the one of the youngest world-wide fashion models of 2012. In 2013, Angela Bachiller became the first person with Down syndrome to be elected as a councilwoman. Ayelén Barreiro was chosen to participate as a dancer on one of the most popular dance shows of South America. María José carried the presidential sash in the official appointment of Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa. Angela Bachiller is the first person with Down syndrome ever to be elected councilwoman. Megan McCormick is the first person with Down syndrome to graduate with honors from a technical college/ Tim Harris owns his own restaurant; and Spanish actor Pablo Pineda earned a bachelor's degree in educational psychology and has gone on to be a writer, speaker, and actor.

The community also has huge advocates and supporters, such as Eva Longoria, who founded the service organization Eva's Heroes and has a sister with special needs. Jamie Foxx is longtime supporter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Also, Sharon Stone spoke at the 2011 National Down Syndrome Society's Annual Luncheon and has helped to raise more than $100,000.

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