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Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Sunday -- Raises Funds for Research, Education, Programs
By: Jawanda B Mast Special to My Life Jawanda B. Mast Special to My Life
Source: The Commercial Appeal Memphis, TN
09/30/2005

Many DeSoto County families benefit from the work of the Down Syndrome Awareness Association of the Mid-South.

The Down Syndrome Association began in 1973 as Down's Parents when a small group of parents began holding regular meetings to learn more about Downs 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 Downs syndrome. The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South is to provide support to individuals with Downs 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 Downs 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 Downs syndrome and their families.

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

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.

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.

For information on the Buddy Walk, call 381-8695 or e-mail BuddyWalk@dsamemphis.org .

Find the online registration at the organization's Web site at dsamemphis.org .

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

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

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