Josh DuffyLiving with Williams Syndrome, A syndrome that makes you friendly

Josh Duffy is the subject of the documentary called THE MAYOR: A Chronicle of Williams Syndrome, with Josh Duffy. In this Documentary through interviews and footage, we get to see what it's like living with Williams syndrome, and the effect that Josh has had on everyone that he meets.

As quoted by everyone that he meets, Josh Duffy is an amazing, heart warming, empathetic human being. In this day and age where there is so much turmoil in the world, being around josh and his love, is a breath of fresh air.

Josh was born in California, and at around the age of seven, moved to Pagosa Springs Colorado, where he made quite the impact.

During his time in Colorado, he graduated High School and won a gold metal in the Special Olympics in the category, Down High Slalom.

During his adult years, Josh and his mom moved to Maine, where he has been living ever since. With his mother's help, he has been living in his own apartment for the past 5 years.

By his own account, living with Williams syndrome is tough, because he always feels alone. He has so much love to give and sometimes that love isn't reciprocated. Despite feeling alone, Josh is always ready to give a huge hug and loves everyone!

• Josh Duffy at IMDB
• Josh Duffy Wiki

What is Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body.

First discovered by John C.P. Williams of New Zealand in 1961. Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Burnham syndrome, is a result of a deletion of a specific region on chromosome number seven, containing 26 to 28 genes. Approximately one in 10,000 births are affected by this spontaneous gene deletion.

Williams is associated with both mental and physical traits, including extroverted personalities, a broad forehead, heart defects, gastrointestinal issues, sensitivity to light and sound and, among others, an affinity for music.

More recently, there have been studies to indicate that domestic dogs may have the same genetic marker as people with Williams syndrome.

According to a PBS NOVA special people with Williams syndrome may have the same level of the love hormone oxytocin as man's best friend does. Geneticists are suggesting the reason for the higher level of oxytocin is due to the same genetic mutations that occur in the dog genome. It pertains to three specific genes, which may explain why people with Williams syndrome are hyper sociable.