Family Connection’s Buddy Walk encourages community to take strides toward acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome
August 20, 2012
Family Connection’s Buddy Walk encourages community to take strides toward acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome
COLUMBIA, SC – August 20, 2012 – Family Connection will host the 13th annual Columbia Buddy Walk to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit individuals with Down syndrome at 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at Saluda Shoals Park.
Family Connection is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides support, education and resources to families of children with special health care needs.
The Buddy Walk is a family-friendly event with a one mile walk and food, games and activities. Participants will enjoy a DJ, bouncy houses, pony rides, train rides, face painting, clowns, arts and crafts and the Pawley’s Front Porch food truck. The Buddy Walk is free and open to the public. To register or learn more, call 803-252-0914 or visit www.familyconnectionsc.org/buddy_walk/.
“It is important to raise awareness and make a difference for people with Down syndrome,” said Jackie Richards, Family Connection’s executive director. “The Buddy Walk is a wonderful opportunity to educate the community and show our support. The focus of the walk is not on disabilities, but on abilities and talents. It is an inspirational day that celebrates the many accomplishments of individuals in our community with Down syndrome,” she said.
In 2011, the Columbia Buddy Walk raised more than $40,000 and 1,000 people came out to show their support. More than 1,200 people are expected to attend the event this year.
Individuals with Down syndrome who participate in the Buddy Walk are “special buddies.” Friends and family are encouraged to form teams and show their support by walking with their special buddy at the event. Funds raised support families of individuals with Down syndrome, local support groups and research efforts by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by NDSS to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. NDSS is a nonprofit organization representing the 400,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To learn more, visit www.ndss.org.
About Family Connection
Family Connection (FCSC) is a statewide nonprofit organization that links families of children with special health care needs or disabilities with resources, support and education. The organization’s support for families includes a family-to-family network, statewide offices and programs that educate, inspire and empower families and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives in spite of many challenges. The organization is headquartered in Columbia, S.C, and has staff and volunteer parents located in all counties of the state. FCSC was founded in 1989 by a group of South Carolina parents who have children with disabilities and special needs. For more information visit www.familyconnectionsc.org.
