Buddy Walk

Please Join us for West Michigan Down syndrome Association's buddy walk on October 10th. If you are unable to join please donate! There is a side bar on the right side of this blog where you are able to donate.

After we had Gabriel and found out he might have Down syndrome the hospital was able to tell us that there were other people like us. West Michigan Down syndrome Association had created a three ring binder of hope and joy that hospitals hand out to new parents. It was out first life line telling us that we were not alone. We have attended several events that have been put on by the association.

Our family has the goal to raise $1,000. Please help us in our journey!

Buddy walk facts:
# The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

# The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:

* To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
* To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
* To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.

# The Buddy Walk® has grown from 17 to more than 275 in 2008 across the country and around the world.

# At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 280 Buddy Walk® events this year.

# Since 1995, more than 2,000,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk® program.

# Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.

# The Buddy Walk® program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Local Buddy Walk® events are organized by NDSS Affiliates, parent support groups, schools, and other interested organizations and individuals.

# Most Buddy Walk® events take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

# John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox in the hit NBC show "Scrubs," is the 2009 National Buddy Walk® Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max who has Down syndrome.

# Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk®.