Buddy Walking for a Cause

I used to volunteer my time at my Alma Matter, FSU, through a program called Best Buddies. This program pairs you with an individual with special needs, and you get the wonderful opportunity not only to make a great friend, but to share great moments at special outings and really expand your horizons. I enjoyed this program so much that I became the President of the Best Buddies FSU Chapter my senior year. Flash forward 10 years, and never would I have guessed that Best Buddies would have helped prepare me for our wonderful first son, Charlie, who was born with Down Syndrome.

Without getting too scientific, Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. This condition can cause mental and physical disabilities which can range from mild to severe. Some forms of Down Syndrome can be genetic, but most of the time, it’s just a random occurrence. For my husband and I, it was the latter.

Most people might find this to be earth shattering news to receive and think to themselves that they could never handle raising a child with special needs. However, I personally know this to be untrue because of all the wonderful people I met in college through the Best Buddies Program, and through the best gift I have ever received, which is my son, Charlie.

People with special needs are the most caring and wonderful individuals who really only see the good in people. What’s not to love? Every milestone that is reached is so much more magnificent, and the other families you meet are so accepting.

In fact, the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) opened its heart to us right after Charlie was born. Unbeknownst to me a year ago, I discovered the DSAJ helps support many different types of therapies, sports programs, tutoring services, and other programs for all types of people living with special needs. The DSAJ receives its funding for all of these great platforms from one annual fundraiser called “The Buddy Walk.”

The Buddy Walk is usually the first weekend in November, and this year, it will be held on Saturday, November 3rd from 11:30am-4:00pm at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion. There will be all kinds of carnival rides, games, food vendors and wonderful attractions for children. This year is a big year for the DSAJ because it’s the 10th Annual Buddy Walk, so it is “Rolling Out the Red Carpet” for this event. In addition to all the fun games and food, there will also be local celebrities present, like some of the Jaguar Cheerleaders, Representative Ander Crenshaw, Chum from the Jacksonville Sharks, and so many more.

Best of all, there will be a short walk on the beach, which starts at 2:00pm, to support and raise awareness for Down Syndrome. Anyone can sign up and start a team to raise money for this event or join an existing team. Each person on the team pays $15 and receives a shirt with the team name on it. Our team is “Charlie’s Angels,” and it will be our second year participating in this event. Last year, over 4,500 people came out to support friends, family, and strangers who are living with Down Syndrome. It is such a wonderful feeling as a parent to see so many people support your child. So please, feel free to come Buddy Walk on Saturday November 3, 2012. Even if you are not on a team, please bring your family and enjoy the festivities. All the money raised at the event goes to the DSAJ. If you are unable to make the event this year, donations and volunteering are always welcome.

Please remember that it’s never too late to get involved and to do some good in your community. What type of world would we live in if we were all the same? Differences are what make our lives fun and interesting. For more information on the Buddy Walk and how you can get involved with the DSAJ, please visit the DSAJ’s website at www.DSAJ.org.