« Back to Listing

Little Gus Inspires Family to Volunteer -- Zaletskis Will Be Part of Buddy Walk on Saturday
By: Jawanda B Mast Special to Cordova Appeal Jawanda B. Mast Special to Cordova Appeal
Source: The Commercial Appeal Memphis, TN
09/29/2005

Through life's challenges, many good things are born.

Melissa and Ken Zaletski moved to Cordova a little over a year ago when Ken was transferred to manage the JC Penney's at Wolfchase Galleria.

At the time, they lived relatively close to son Roy's family and their only grandchild, Gus. The Zaletskis are the proud grandparents of Augustus Michael 'Gus' Zaletski, who was born with Down syndrome.

Shortly after the move, Melissa saw an article in The Commercial Appeal about the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness.

Gus wasn't even 1 year old when the Zaletskis moved, but they recognized the importance of supporting the local organization. The Zaletskis attended the Buddy Walk and have become valuable volunteers to the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South.

Their volunteer jobs have been many, none more important than Melissa's service on the Buddy Walk committee and willingness to do "whatever you need me to do."

Melissa and Ken would tell you that by supporting the local group, which also supports national research, education and advocacy efforts, they are supporting Gus - even though he doesn't live here.

Melissa would also tell you that her volunteer service has produced much in the way of education for her. In her volunteer efforts, Melissa has spent a great deal of time with mothers of children with Down Syndrome, a meaningful learning experience for Melissa and these moms.

When Melissa began volunteering, she had no idea that Gus himself might need services right here in the Mid-South. His parents, Roy and Beth Zaletski, had been recently transferred to New Orleans with Roy's naval duties. Roy, a helicopter pilot, is a lieutenant in the Navy. The family has been temporarily displaced by Katrina and is living in Cordova with Grandma and Grandpa Zaletski.

In the face of the devastation of Katrina, Roy has been temporarily assigned to the Navy Bureau of Personnel in Millington. While Gus may be displaced from his home, he continues to need early intervention services such as occupational, speech and physical therapies. The knowledge Melissa has gained and connections she has made have helped in assisting Roy, Beth and Gus in finding local services in a timely matter.

Over the course of this past year, Melissa and Ken have gladly dedicated their time and resources to the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South. Now, the entire Zaletski family will be together to reap the rewards of their labor at the Buddy Walk.

The eighth annual Mid-South Buddy Walk will be held on Sunday at Memphis Botanic Garden. Onsite registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the opening ceremonies commencing at 1:30 p.m. The walk will kick-off at 2 p.m.

Local guests will be Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, Mario Reed and Channel 3 weatherman Jim Jaggers. Entertainment for the afternoon's festivities will be provided by Radio Disney, Company D, Special Tigers and the Toasted Opus band.

Registration fees are $10 per person up to a family of four ($40) and $5 per family member above the $40. This fee includes a Buddy Walk T-shirt, lunch, entertainment, and door prize entry privileges. Pre-walk packet and shirt pickup will be on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dillard's Oak Court Mall top north entrance. The Buddy Walk is presented by International Paper. Radio Disney is the radio sponsor, and supporting sponsors include Sedgwick CMS and FedEx.

When Gus was born with Down syndrome, the family learned that there would be challenges and blessings along the way. Katrina has ensured a few more challenges for the Zaletski family. The human spirit is alive and well in this family. They have met these challenges, and these challenges have given hope and inspiration to many others. It is totally appropriate for Gus to be among the walkers at the 2005 Mid-South Buddy Walk because he is one of the sponsors of the event (thanks to grandpa)! His name is on the walk T- shirt!

For information on the Buddy Walk, call 381-8695 or e-mail BuddyWalk@dsamemphis.org . Interested people can link to online registration from the organization's Web site at dsamemphis.org .

Jawanda B. Mast is chair of the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness.

(C) 2005 The Commercial Appeal Memphis, TN. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved

« Back to Listing