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Community Corner

Chicagoland Buddy Walk® Encourages Participants to Take Strides Towards Acceptance and Inclusion for People with Down Syndrome

The 11th Annual Chicagoland Buddy Walk® will take place at Cantigny on October 13, 2013 and features Radio Disney. More than 3000 people are expected to attend this years walk, which is one of over 250 walks across the country this fall to raise awareness and funds for programs that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. Participants will also enjoy carnival games, DJ entertainment, face painters, Video Game Truck and more.

Registration is $12 per person and includes t-shirt, park entrance and access to all games and entertainment. Participants can register online at www.chicagolandbuddywalk.org or by calling 815-272-1068. Everyone is welcome.

“It’s very important to raise awareness and make a difference for people with Down syndrome by participating in a Buddy Walk. The focus is not on our disabilities, but on our abilities that count,” said Actor and NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke. “At the Buddy Walk, we all walk together.”

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The Buddy Walk Program welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. The goals of the program are to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Last year alone, Buddy Walk events raised more than $11.7 million to benefit national education and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services. All funds raised through the National Buddy Walk Program support both local and national programs. 

The walk is sponsored by DS Support, a local parent support group. The 2013 Buddy Walk National Partners are Imagination Movers, Down Syndrome footprint, Woodbine House and Signing Time.

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To learn more, visit www.chicagolandbuddywalk.org, or contact Jennifer (815-272-1068) at the Chicagoland Buddy Walk.

About NDSS

The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the approximately 400,000 Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.

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