Buddy Walk 2013

Friday, 11 October 2013

Last weekend we participated in our 11th annual Buddy Walk. It seems odd to say 11th annual when Kayla is only 10, but we walked in our first one the year she was born, 2003, when she was just shy of 3 months old. Technically this was our 12th total walk since we participated in two walks in 2009 when we lived in MD.

From what I can remember of each of the 12 walks ... we've always had a nice, sunny day ... except one time. That cold, rainy day from the Northern VA walk. I'm talking coats, scarves, and gloves kind of cold!

I guess when you've lived in NM and SC the walks usually end up being warm/hot and sunny. And add humid to the mix when you're on the east coast! Last weekend was no different. Although there was some rain that day, it seemed to have rained all around the area ... except Daniel Island where the walk was held.

Kayla enjoyed snuggling up to this sweet baby (and she kept trying to wake him up!) He was born at Holloman AFB, NM ... just like Kayla was!


Our team, minus my mom who stayed under the shade!


Kayla's BFF


At the end of the walk: red, hot, and sweaty!


With the band:
 

Future drum major?
 

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The Henry Owl & Buddy Walks

Wednesday, 11 September 2013

Last summer Kaitlin started her business - A Stitch In Lives as a way to raise money for charities and ministries she supports. All of the products are handmade and 50% of the profit from the sales are donated.

In April her baby brother was born and received a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Before he was born she designed and made an owl for him based off his pre-birth nickname: Henry. Her family encouraged her to make more owls and put on her web store and there began the line of The Henry Owl.

After her brother's birth Kaitlin wanted to use her business for Down syndrome awareness as well. The proceeds from The Henry Owl go to a Down syndrome organization.

Kaitlin's family will be walking in their local Buddy Walk where they will also have a vendor booth to sell these owls. From now until Nov 30th the Henry Owls are 50% off - you can get one for $10. Their goal is to sell 100 owls and donate $700 to their Buddy Walk.

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Speaking of Buddy Walks ... our own local walk is next month on Oct 6th on Daniel Island. This will be our 11th year walking for Kayla and Down syndrome awareness, acceptance and inclusion.

If you'd like to sponsor Kayla on the Buddy Walk you can click here to go to our team page (or click on the widget on the left side of my blog). If you're in the local area you can join Kayla's team via the same link.

Thanks for your support!

 

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Buddy Walk 2012

Monday, 8 October 2012

We attended our first Buddy Walk in 2003 when Kayla wasn't quite 3 months old. Yesterday was our 10th year of Buddy Walk-ing (and technically our 11th walk; when I was living in MD in 2009 we went to 2 walks that year. One in N. VA, and one in Southern MD.) Needless to say - Buddy Walks are definitely an important part of our lives!

I was definitely missing my dad's presence this year, but we were thankful to have my mom, Joe's mom, and some of four friends there to support Kayla.

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10th Annual Buddy Walk

Sunday, 30 September 2012

Next Sunday we'll be attending our 10th annual Buddy Walk!

Yes, Kayla is only 9, but this is our 10th annual walk. Our first walk was in 2003 when she was just shy of 3 months old. My goodness I remember jumping in to the 'world' of Down syndrome and going to our first walk. I have to admit it was just a little bit overwhelming attending our first walk so soon after Kayla was born and we were still adjusting to the news of her diagnosis. I felt like Down syndrome was a part of our lives and we might as well just go to the Buddy Walk to see what it was all about! And we've gone every year since then.

This is our 3rd year walking for the Down Syndrome Association of Lowcountry. The walk is in such a beautiful location at Etiwan Park on Daniel Island.  I'm definitely going to miss my dad's presence at the Buddy Walk this year. Thankfully Kayla will have a couple of grandmas there with her though!

We would love it if anyone local wants to come walk on Kayla's team: Team Big Blueberry Eyes! If you can't walk with us but would like to support Kayla you can use the FirstGiving link or use the widget in the top left sidebar. Thank you!
 

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Kayla's Picture in Times Square

Sunday, 23 September 2012

We weren't able to make it to NYC for the NDSS Buddy Walk. I really wanted to see Kayla's picture when it showed on the Jumbotron in Times Square, but with everything we had going on this summer (and now that school has started) we just weren't able to make it happen.

Thank goodness for great friends! My friend Laura was there to see her son's picture and was able to take this picture for me.

I love it! I bet it looked amazing up on the Jumbotron!


One of these years we're going to get to NYC for the Buddy Walk!

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Buddy Walk Recap

Monday, 3 October 2011

Yesterday we went to the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry's Annual Buddy Walk and had a great time! Couldn't have asked for better weather - beautiful blue sky with a high of low 70s. It was a great day of coming together to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome.

My dad and his wife drove up from Florida, a friend of mine and Joe's from high school (in Germany) drove over from Columbia with her 2 kids, and Kayla's 1st grade teacher from last year came to the walk with her fiance. We also walked with a few families we have become friends with locally. The Woodrum Family have 3 boys, their youngest, Nate, has Down syndrome and also attends the same school as Kayla. One of Kayla's teammates from Miracle League, who has Down syndrome, and her mom were there. And the Kirkland Family, a fellow military family who adopted two kids w/Ds from Ukraine last year.

Kayla and Maya

Sno cone and grandpa

and sharing the sno cone!

Kayla's teacher from last year

The best way to participate in a Buddy Walk

And of course Kayla wanted a piggy back ride too!

Grab This Button

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Getting Ready for the Buddy Walk

Monday, 19 September 2011

Five years ago was the first time I blogged about the annual Buddy Walk we participate in. I was so touched by the support we received back then, and continue to receive to this day.

For new readers to my blog the Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk to raise money, awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. It was established in 1995 from the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate National Down Syndrome month in October. It has grown from 17 locations to more than 300 expected this year across the US and around the world! Last year 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk raising more than 11.2M to benefit local programs and services as well as national policy initiatives that benefit all people with Down syndrome.

With so many Buddy Walks taking place you might be able to find one near you!

We will be walking in the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry's Buddy Walk on Daniel Island. This will be our 9th year walking (and 5th state!)

If you would like to support Kayla by sponsoring her in the Buddy Walk, please click here (it is tax-deductible.)

Thank you!

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Times Square Video for NYC Buddy Walk

Wednesday, 4 May 2011

Every year the National Down Syndrome Society accepts photo submission for consideration in the Times Square Video. The video is a photo montage of individuals with Down syndrome living, laughing, playing, working, enjoying life, etc. This video is shown during the New York City Buddy Walk.

Several years ago this picture of Kayla and Joe made it to the annual video and was shown on the big screens in Time Square.

Over 200 photos will be selected from the thousands that are received. Submissions are being accepted now through July 15 (Kayla's birthday!).

Now the hard part: choosing one single photo of Kayla to send in!

Right now this one is at the top of my list:

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