Buddy Walk

What's a Buddy Walk?

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 thirteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to more than 275 anticipated for 2008 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $9.5 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. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.

2008 FEDS "Walk, Rock & Roll" Buddy Walk Thanks

Families Exploring Down Syndrome 2008 Buddy Walk was a resounding success thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, and to our generous sponsors, members, and participants. The funds raised from our Buddy Walk, allows Families Exploring Down Syndrome to continue to contribute to the community and provide programs and services to our members. The celebration of individuals with Down syndrome was priceless.

Thank you to the Buddy Walk Committee and to all of those that offered to help with the next Buddy Walk, and to our families for always being there when we are MIA because of all the meetings and preparations for an event of this size. Thanks to our kids of all ages who always end up working beside us. We love you for it.

Thank you to our 170 volunteers for your time and assistance that allowed our members to participate in the walk.

Thank you to the MISD for so graciously allowing us to use their property, and to the custodians who dealt with the cotton candy remnants floating around.

Thank you to our fantastic Silver Sponsor and Hospitality tent provider Henry Ford Pediatrics.

Thank you to Bronze sponsors: Beaumont Hospitals, KUKA, Randazzzo Fresh Market, and Anthony Sorrentino graphics.

Gratitude to our DJ, The Amazing Clark, CC Plus, and to the National City team from Loss Prevention for all the workers and for lending us the popcorn machine. It provided lots of laughs on Friday night when we were learning how to use it.

A special thanks to Extra Credit Union for sponsoring and manning the cotton candy machine.

Thanks to the Oakland University Cheer Team and Honors Team, the Wayne State team, Kohl's Cares Team and the Sterling Heights High School Band members and parents.

Thanks to our clowns and to all the Mascots who made the kids smile, and to the Star wars characters... you rock!

Thanks to the police, fire and ambulance company as well as Macomb Community College security and to Jennifer Faunce for making the contacts and arrangements.

Thanks to our politicians who joined us and who each made personal donations to the Buddy Walk.

To the Pie Team... thank you for having so much fun! And for chairing the whole thing from beginning to end. And thanks for already offering to do it again!

Thank you to Sarah Schultz for pushing us to have kids games and the Ol’ Time Penny Candy Store. They were a BIG hit and the kids and families loved it. And thank you for doing all the work involved to make it happen.

Thank you to everyone who supported us with their donations, and showed their support by walking with us.