The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by the NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools, and other organizations and individuals.
We went to our second Bay Area Buddy Walk on October 10th. It was a gorgeous day and this year...we had a team! Malea's Crew. Last year, it was just The Mama and The Littlest so we more than doubled our participation. WOOT!
We also had several friends and family members who were with us virtually, sending good wishes and donating when possible. Check out our ticker at the top of the sidebar. I think we've done great so far!
All money raised in relation to our Buddy Walk supports activities provided by the Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network, a group that has served as a great resource for our family.
The best part of this Buddy Walk, though? Playette walked!
Last year, as we were completing the one mile loop in the rain, with her in the stroller, I told her, "Next year, you're walking." That was really my hope for her more than it was a command. At that point, she was 16 months old and I could only imagine when she would start walking on her own.
Check out how far she went:
I'm very proud of her 1/2 mile...she's one step close to being theme park bound. [She has to work herself up to 5 miles (with no whining, ha!) before we can all go to Disney together. Don't worry though. If we're at next year's NDSC conference together and she hasn't reached her goal yet? We may let you borrow her so that she can see the Magic Kingdom. ;-)]
And here she is enjoying the band (and the camera) early in the day:
Many thanks to Dan for taking those great photos.
BD wanted me to make sure that I added this one in. There were informational signs all along the walk.
We had a great time. I don't think we'll still be in this area next year and I'll miss this great group of folks for sure.
Looking Back: Buddy Walk '08
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6 comments:
yay!! Glad the weather was nice for you guys. I'm hoping it's just as nice for us on Sunday!
oh no we have to have a irl before u leave
crystal it is me agin
u are on the header for the svdsn pics take a look. while u are there look at the bike camp photos for a fimilar face.(hint it is wearing a yellow helment)
Looks like you had a great time! You guys always look like your having a great time!:) thinking of you, always reading...just so quick no time to comment! Andrea
Looks like it was a great day for a buddy walk! and how exciting that she was able to walk 1/2 of it!
Since we'll be in Charleston next year I'm really hoping we'll be in Orlando for the conference!
Oh! That looks fuN!
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