Thank you to everyone who participated in our
1st Annual Buddy Walk in Bloomington on Saturday, October 18, 2008.
Whether you were a sponsor, volunteer, walker, donor, or a supporter
in any way, your involvement was key to the success of this event!
Contact us to join us again this year!

Here's some feedback regarding our 2008 Buddy Walk:

"I just wanted to congratulate you on the 1st Buddy Walk. It was an amazing event!!
I heard so many people mingling and were honored (as was I) to be invited and participate in the event.
My admiration and appreciation for the tremendous amount of effort that went into this.
Thank you for asking me and I am still so very touched at the support that was present."

"Congratulations on such a successful event! It was wonderful to see
such a great turnout of families and the community."

"Awesome first Buddy Walk. Amazing!"

"Saturday was great. The grandparents loved it, the kids loved it. It was amazingly well organized and FUN for any event let alone something that was going on for the first time… be proud of what you put together!

"You did an awesome job - what a great turn out! 
I'm so glad we were able to be a part of the event. Congrats!"

 

1st Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk a Success
by
Rachel Cosens

The air was crisp, faces were bright, and the numbers were great as nearly 400 people turned out for the First Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk at Bryan Park! It was a beautiful mid-October day, as the morning sun cheerily shone on the walking path encompassing the park. People from all walks of life and for various reasons came together to volunteer, donate, and make this time a great success for the people they love so much—people who happen to have an extra chromosome and are referred to as having Down Syndrome.

Several women in particular—Cyndi Johnson, Nola Bloemendaal, and Rosalie Sherwood Founds, members of the Down Syndrome Family Connection leadership team-- donated many hours of their time to make the Buddy Walk as fun as possible. In addition to the walking, the kids enjoyed climbing on a fire truck, dancing, handprint painting on canvas, lots of food and prizes, and the good old fun of meeting others who love life! One walker expressed, “I like how everyone hangs around after the walk and talks to each other!”

The walk brought together several types of people—some were strolling with a relative or friend who has Down Syndrome (D.S.), some were walking in memory of a child who has already made his journey into Heaven, and others were simply wanting to affirm the lives of these dear individuals.

A calendar is now available featuring several local men, women, and children with D.S. who are finding happiness and meaning. They may have a condition that comes with its challenges, but their God-given lives are an inspiration in love and determination. And, like anybody, they feel encouraged when others embrace them unconditionally for the people they are—after all, that’s what they do for us! Check out the group’s website if you’d like to know more or purchase a handsome calendar, and consider walking with us next October!

 

Visit the national Buddy Walk website

For more information or to volunteer to help with this year's Buddy Walk,
send us an email; we'd love to hear from you!

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