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Buddy System
By: Cory Young World Staff Writer
Source: Tulsa World
10/19/2005

Down syndrome walk special to family

Three-year-old Emma Schultz is known for dancing to the songs that belt out of her plush, battery-operated Barney toy, not for having Down syndrome.

Too young to understand the specifics about her condition, Emma spends her days like any other toddler.

Emma will show her fun-loving and active side when she leads her family of five in the 2005 Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa Buddy Walk.

The walk is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at Whiteside Park, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. Walkers will trek along 41st Street between Harvard and Yale avenues. Registration starts at 2 p.m.

The Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society, which was founded in 1979 as a nonprofit organization to help individuals with the disorder.

Emma's mother, Lori Schultz, would like to keep her daughter just the way she is.

"We call her our double surprise, because she wasn't planned, and she had Down syndrome," Schultz said. "We had no idea she had Down syndrome until she was born."

The mother of three gave birth to Emma at age 39 but declined to have a prenatal test, which could have detected her daughter's condition.

Giving up the baby never crossed her mind.

"It wouldn't have changed anything," said Schultz, who is the publicity chairwoman for the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa. "We're really fortunate. She's healthy, and life's pretty easy for her right now.

"My fear as a mother is that as she matures physically, that she will fall behind her peers cognitively."

Schultz also worries about "what kids are going to say about her."

Emma's father, John Schultz, who has an uncle with Down syndrome, wants Emma to be able to communicate well.

He remembers hearing people make fun of his uncle.

"(My uncle) doesn't talk. One of my biggest goals is that she'll be able to," John Schultz said.

Emma works with a speech therapist while attending a 3-year-old class at Jenks West Elementary School, 1200 W. 91st St.

Last year, the Buddy Walk attracted more than 700 people. More are expected to participate this year.

Walkers will collect pledges for their "buddy," a child with Down syndrome in whose honor they walk.

Chris Burke, an actor with Down syndrome who starred as Corky on the television series "Life Goes On," will join the Tulsa Buddy Walk.

After the 1-mile walk, Burke and his band will perform a free concert, which will include songs from their album, "Singer with the Band."

Free food, drinks and activities will be provided for attendees. Entertainment will include clowns, a petting zoo, Jupiter jumps and face painting.

Proceeds from the Buddy Walk help fund local Down syndrome programs and services and national education, research and advocacy initiatives regarding Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is a congenital disorder marked by moderate to severe mental retardation.

The Schultzes also have a 4-year-old son, Jake, who was born with heart problems. Already in his young life, Jake has had three open- heart surgeries.

Lori Schultz said Jake and Emma have taught the family to deal with situations positively.

"It makes us more appreciative of the things we have, instead of saying, 'Why us?'" she said. "We try to focus on the good in every situation."

Emma's sister, Kristen Schultz, 6, calls Emma a "sweetie bean."

"A sweetie bean is a double sweetie pie," she said.

In her own way, Kristen is helping spread acceptance of people with Downsyndrome.

One day, a boy in her class who has the disorder was trying to give hugs toother students in the class, and all the children refused -- that is, untilthe next day, when Kristen went up to him.

"I told him that he could hug me anytime you want. I know people that haveDown syndrome need hugs," Kristen said.

Her mother was pleased with her act of kindness.

"That makes me proud that they are growing up more tolerant andunderstanding of people with differences," Lori Schultz said.

For more information about the 2005 Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa BuddyWalk, pick up a flier at Tulsa-area Office Depot locations or go to www.DSAT.org.

(C) 2005 Tulsa World. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved

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