A Walk with A Cause

Do you enjoy a nice short walk from time to time?  How about a walk with a good friend or family member?  I do, especially when the air is crisp and cool, and you won’t get so sweaty and hot.  If you answered yes to one of these questions, have you ever considered a walk for a good cause, such as the Buddy Walk®?

The Buddy Walk® was created in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to “celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.”  The Buddy Walk® is the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States and is nationally recognized as a public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.  What began in 1995 with 17 walks has now grown to nearly 300 walks.  Not only does the Buddy Walk® raise awareness about Down syndrome, but it also raises money to “help support local programs and services, as well as national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.”  More than $12 million is raised annually.  This year the NDSS will celebrate 26 years of Buddy Walks®!

So, what is a Buddy Walk®?  It is a one-mile walk, or however far you’d like to walk, with your family or friends.  If you’re not into walking, perhaps you would prefer to bike, run, or swim.  People of all ages can participate, and some walks are even dog friendly!  Walks take place all over the United States and in different countries; however, you can find local walks right where you are.  One such local walk in Western Pennsylvania is through the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh (DSAP).   “The Buddy Walk® is the largest fundraiser of the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh. Our mission to enrich the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families in our community, is largely funded through Buddy Walk® team and individual donations. We fulfill that mission in two ways: creating opportunities for our families to share resources and create community and by funding the Down Syndrome Center of Pittsburgh.” 

This year the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh will host a Buddy Walk® on Saturday, October 3, 2020.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s walk will be held virtually so that everyone can remain safe and healthy.  You can join and walk with a team that is already registered or you can register your own team.  To have your own team, you will need to create a fundraising page first before registering.  The fundraising page can be found here: buddywalk.dsapgh.org Each team is asked to follow the CDC and their local health department guidelines.  If you are not able to walk, that’s okay.  You can still support a team by donating to it.  You can find a complete list of teams participating in the DSAP’s Buddy Walk® here: buddywalk.dsapgh.org/secure/fundraiser_search/ODgwNDM=/0/T.

Live programming for the Buddy Walk on October 3 will begin at 10 a.m. To follow along with the virtual walk, you can tune into the DSAP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dsapgh/ The DSAP is also encouraging everyone to celebrate in their own way. If you need help on how you can celebrate, or help a family celebrate, please refer to the document “21 Ways to Celebrate.”

Through the Buddy Walk® program, we can all be an advocate for Down syndrome, whether we support someone with Down syndrome, have a family member, friend, or acquaintance with Down syndrome, or just want to support a worthy cause.  I liked the words of this NDSS Athlete Ambassador, “Running for Team NDSS means the world to me!  My son is my inspiration to run, he gives purpose to my miles like no one else can.  It feels amazing to know that I am helping to spread awareness and advocate for not only my son, but for all individuals with Down syndrome.  My journey with Team NDSS has only just begun and I have already seen the impact this is making on my own self, my family, and those around us.” – Courtney Frost

For more information on the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh Buddy Walk®, please visit:  https://www.dsapgh.org/buddy-walk.html You can also contact Meredith Peterson, MA, Executive Director at info@dsapgh.org.

For more information on the National Buddy Walk® Program, please visit: https://www.ndss.org/play/national-buddy-walk-program/.

Please visit:  https://www.ndss.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Registered-2020-Buddy-Walk.docx-8.19.2020.pdf for the Registered 2020 Buddy Walk® List.