What's behind “The Lucky Few” Tattoo?

Mary Pipan, MD, Trisomy 21 Program Co-Director, and Tricia Wilson, RN, nurse coordinator and mother to a 15-year-old son with Down syndrome, got The Lucky Few tattoo. Almost two years ago Mica May, the mother of a son with Down syndrome and a designer, met up with a group of approximately 20 other mothers who also had a child with Down syndrome at a Ruby’s Rainbow retreat. During the retreat, the mothers shared stories, gave advice and encouraged one another. The moms formed a friendship as they bonded over their love and commitment to their children with Down syndrome.

It was at this retreat that Mica had the idea to celebrate these new friendships and their children with Down syndrome by designing “The Lucky Few” tattoo. Several attendees of the retreat gathered the next day to get the tattoo while others returned home before getting their tattoo.

The Lucky Few tattoo features a simple, minimalist design of three arrows that Mica says represent “the three 21st chromosomes and how we rise up and move forward.” It began as a simple bonding moment for a few new friends, but quickly went viral when pictures of their matching tattoos were shared on social media. Soon hundreds of mothers were getting The Lucky Few tattoo.

Now, The Lucky Few movement has spread; family members, friends, teachers, physicians, advocates or anyone who feels lucky to know someone with Down syndrome is getting the tattoo. The tattoo is meant to be placed in an obvious spot to start a conversation about Down syndrome. This allows The Lucky Few to spread awareness, promote inclusion and educate others about Down syndrome.