Down Syndrome 15th Annual Buddy Walk Begins Sunday at the Sycamore in Bethel, Oct. 4

The Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

Report by Paula Antolini
October 2, 2015 5:11PM EDT

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Downs Syndrome 15th Annual Buddy Walk Begins Sunday at the Sycamore in Bethel, Oct. 4

The Bethel Buddy Walk:

WHEN: Oct 4, 2015, 12:30 p.m., walk starts at 1 p.m., rain or shine.

WHERE: Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant, 282 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT

REGISTRATION: $5 per person, $15 per family or team.

Participants who have pledges of $50.00 or more will receive a T-shirt.

For information call 203-798-8025.

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The Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

The National Buddy Walk® Program includes over 250 Walks throughout the country and in select international locations.

The Buddy Walk® was started in 2000 by Jessica Robbins in honor of her cousin Andrew Speziale who has Down Syndrome.  Robbins was inspired by a seventh-grade school project and now the Buddy Walk® event has grown larger each year, with the help of volunteers and businesses, raising thousands of dollars for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Hundreds of individuals now participate in the 1-mile walk.

 

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Down Syndrome Facts

–Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

–There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.

–Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.

–There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

–Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

–The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

–People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

–A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

–Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

–People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

–All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

–Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

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Buddy Walk® Commemorative Video

To celebrate the 20th year of the Buddy Walk®, the National Down Syndrome Society is creating a compilation video and they need you! Everyone has a story of how the Buddy Walk® has touched your life and what it means to you. The NDSS wants to hear – and share – your story.

The  NDSS “What the Buddy Walk® Means to Me” video will be used to help promote the National Buddy Walk® Program on the local and national level.  The NDSS envisions the video being used on the NDSS website and YouTube Channel, in local and national media outreach and on Buddy Walk® and affiliate and websites across the country and around the world.CLICK HERE for more details about the “What the Buddy Walk® Means to Me” Video Submission Guidelines.
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CLICK HERE to read about the history of the Buddy Walk.

CLICK HERE to read Buddy Walk® FAQs.

CLICK HERE to find Buddy Walks by State.

CLICK HERE for Ways to Donate.

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