The twenty-eighth annual Buddy Walk is Sunday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event brings hundreds of people in the community together to celebrate the many abilities and possibilities of people with Down syndrome.
The Buddy Walk will be held at the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus, a place that has provided summer fun to children with disabilities for more than 100 years. From a splash pad and climbing wall to nature trails and a zip line, this place has it all and will be the perfect setting for a walk with friends and family.
“It’s one of my favorite days of the year!” says Cheryl Carleton, president of the Flower City Down Syndrome Network (FCDSN). Attendees will enjoy food, music, games and much fun!
Cristina Rothfuss loves to see the community celebrate individuals with Down syndrome, including her ten-year-old daughter, Avery. In anticipation of the walk, members of the network are asked to share a personal accomplishment about their family member with Down syndrome. Rothfuss says, “On the path of the walk these achievements and photos are shared. It’s a great way to celebrate our members and a personal highlight of the walk for me.”
The Buddy Walk is FCDSN’s only fundraiser and the money raised goes directly to its local programs which support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This includes reimbursement programs, financial assistance, educational activities and plenty of social events, all free to local families.
Tracy Barone appreciates all that Flower City Down Syndrome Network has to offer. Her family looks forward to Seabreeze day, Red Wings and Amerks games, bowling, and family camp night at the Sunshine Campus. Her twelve-year-old son Tyler had the best time this summer when he stayed there for three nights. He can’t wait to go back again and wants to stay even longer next summer.
The network was formed in 1991 as a voluntary, nonprofit organization consisting of families, professionals, and others who are interested in providing education, support, and opportunities to people who have Down syndrome. It currently serve more than 250 individuals and their families in the Greater Rochester area. These volunteers have thought of everything from baskets for families welcoming a baby with Down syndrome to college scholarship opportunities and everything in between.
The network recently announced the establishment of a first-ever endowed scholarship to both Nazareth College and Roberts Wesleyan University. Carleton explains, “These new scholarships aim to attract and assist more students who will professionally serve individuals with Down syndrome. FCDSN awarded both local colleges $28,000 to fund the scholarships and hopes to fundraise to include more local colleges and universities in the future.”
For many families, it’s the support and networking that has been the most valuable service of all. Not only does FCDSN promote community-wide acceptance of people with Down syndrome, but it also provides a safe space for parents to give each other advice and assistance when it comes to working with educators and medical professionals.
But you don’t have to be a member of the network to join this party! The Buddy Walk is an event for all local families. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what it looks like when everyone in our community is included and valued, and it’s also a whole lot of fun.
BUDDY WALK
WHEN October 20, 2024
WHERE Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus
TIME 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
For more information on the Buddy Walk or Down syndrome, visit: sunshinecamp.org / fcdsn.com
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