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Jasmine Among Friends Taking the Buddy Walk -- Early Intervention Results in a Happy, Vibrant Youngster
By: Shannon Massey Special to Bartlett Appeal Shannon Massey Special to Bartlett Appeal
Source: The Commercial Appeal Memphis, TN
09/29/2005

The Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South will be holding its eighth annual one-mile Buddy Walk Sunday at Memphis Botanic Garden from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis began in 1973 as Down's Parents of Memphis.

A small group of parents met while attending the first early intervention program in Memphis at the Child Development Center. They began holding regular meetings to learn more about Down syndrome and to work to improve public awareness, while providing the most current care for their children.

The Down Syndrome Association is a support group for parents, families and friends of individuals with Down syndrome. The mission of the Down Syndrome of the Mid-South is to provide support to persons with Down Syndrome and their families through networking, promotion of positive public awareness, information sharing and advocacy.

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 NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past 10 years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to more than 235 expected in 2005 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 200,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk. They raised more than $4.5 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs. These funds enable NDSS and local groups to offer services that support and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training.

Arlington resident Jasmine Freeman will be participating in her second Buddy Walk this year. Jasmine was born Oct. 4, 1997. When Jasmine was born, three pediatric doctors observed her and could not confirm if she had Down syndrome. Jasmine's parents, Michael and Maxine Freeman, were told about a special blood test that may verify the genetic condition.

Because of their love for Jasmine, they wanted to get her the help she needed to reach her fullest potential and therefore agreed to have the blood test done before they left the hospital. Needless to say, they were upset with the results that were revealed to them about four weeks later.

"But because of God's grace and mercy, He has been our rock and strength every step of our journey," said Maxine. "God has placed people in our lives that have been great support for our family and meeting all of Jasmine's needs in this life and we are very humbled and thankful for the opportunity from God to allow us to be her parents."

Jasmine began early intervention at 1 month old and has been involved in mainstream programs like Mom's Day Out at Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova at 7 months old.

Jasmine entered preschool at Lakeland Elementary in 2001 and attended school there until this year when she began second grade at her neighborhood school, Arlington Elementary. Because the Freemans began early intervention with Jasmine at 1 month, allowed her to attend regular schools and summer camps, she has blossomed and exceeded expectations.

Jasmine loves to attend worship service at Koinonia Christian Center in Cordova. She loves to worship and praise God. She also enjoys singing, ballet dancing, watching ice skating, playing basketball and football.

To learn about Down Syndrome Association of Mid-South, e-mail dsamemphis.org .

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

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