Buddy Walk 2011

Buddy Walk 2011

The National Down Syndrome Society started the Buddy Walk in 1995 to celebrate Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk takes place in late September or early October to kick off Down syndrome awareness month. About 300 Buddy Walks will take place accross the country and nearly 300,000 people will participate in a Buddy Walk this year. Buddy Walks promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and is an event I look forward to every year.

      

Our family has attended the Northwest Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk in Portland, Oregon since 2004. This walk draws at least one thousand guests and celebrates with a band, food, and festivities. The first time we went to the Portland Buddy walk I was amazed. To be part of a group of one thousand people who all came to together, to share their support and love for people wth Down syndrome was such an inspirational feeling. It truly felt like we could conquer the world together-power in numbers.

In 2008, I coordinated the 10th annual Buddy Walk in Portland. It was a huge job to oversee but one of the most awesome experiences to help make happen. That year, like every, was made possible by fantastic volunteers, a dedicated board of directors, donations from local businesses, and community advocates. So much hard work goes into a Buddy Walk celebration but when it all comes together it is so worth every moment. 

This year was just as amazing as the previous! I got a chance to visit with many people, play in the fountain with my daughter, and spend a beautiful day outside with a thousand other people who joined together to celebrate people with Down syndrome. Buddy Walk is great way to build community and share all the things there are to look forward to in people with Down syndrome.