Feature Stories

Buddy Walk 2007 a success

Down syndrome Buddy Walk More than 600 walkers met on the Heartspring campus October 6 to raise awareness and funds for Down syndrome during the annual Down Syndrome Society of Wichita Buddy Walk. In addition to the one mile walk, all participants enjoyed lunch, a moonwalk, cheerleaders, face painting, climbing on a fire truck and a silent auction. KFDI morning show radio personalities Brian and Kellie were the emcees and presented each walker with a medal. This year’s event raised over $18,000.

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. This year marked the fourth annual Buddy Walk sponsored by the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita and Heartspring. The mission of the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita is to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing them with support and resources and by raising public awareness about Down syndrome.