Welcome to the Buddy Walk! I’m John C. McGinley, 2007 National Buddy Walk Spokesman. I’m proud to be part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk program because it’s meant so much to me and my son, Max. Max is fun, smart and silly. He loves to play with his friends, draw pictures, and go to school. And he also happens to have Down syndrome.

Max has taught me that people with Down syndrome are more LIKE the rest of us than they are different. They have feelings, talents and dreams just like everyone. And they deserve to be accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they contribute to our communities.

Thank you for visiting this Web site to learn more about the Buddy Walk. I hope you’ll consider joining a Buddy Walk in your local area. It’s an incredible day of celebration with family, friends and people who, like you, want to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise the hope of a better world for all people with Down syndrome. With your support and involvement, our goals of acceptance, inclusion and empowerment will become a reality!

Sincerely,
John C. (and Max!)

P.S. – Don’t forget to visit the National Down Syndrome Society’s Web site, http://www.ndss.org, to learn more about Down syndrome and other NDSS programs.