So Much More than a 3-Mile Walk

16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic

BE INSPIRED, BE AN INSPIRATION

The MDSC's 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic promises to be one for the ages, featuring not just one, but three international stars. Our Special Guest is television celebrity Lauren Potter of GLEE, known to millions as Becky Jackson, captain of the Cheerios cheerleader squad, and a true champion of people with Down syndrome around the world.

Also there will be Ayla Brown, a local girl who shot to fame as an American Idol Season 5 semi-finalist. She has since relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, the birthplace of country music to launch her recording career. She comes to the Buddy Walk with a full 5-piece band and songs from her new album that are sure to get the throngs around Lake Quannapowitt dancing.

Finally, you don't want to miss Yeager, the canine world-record holder for extreme vertical jumping who, believe it or not, can leap 8 feet 3 inches in the air. A Belgian Malinois and member of Go Team 21, all of Yeager's performances go to advocate for Down syndrome. Yeager may not set another world record at the Buddy Walk, but he's sure to perform a trick or two for the crowd.

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A 3-Mile Walk That's So Much More

At our annual Buddy Walk, each step around the beautiful 3-mile route gives hope to new families, provides critical support and resources for other families, teaches educators, policymakers and medical professionals how to best serve people with Down syndrome, and ultimately changes the lives of people with Down syndrome and those who love them.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness, so there's no better time to promote acceptance and inclusion for the Down syndrome community than at our 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. Join the excitement and the celebration.

Make the MDSC's "All Star" Team

Yes, you can be a "Buddy Walk All-Star." If you raise $500 or more, you will be among the dozens of people honored along the route with your very own "Buddy Walk All-Star" sign for all to see. You will also be highlighted in our MDSC newsletter and get an invitation to our Annual All-Star luncheon in the Spring.

Enjoy the Walk in Style and Comfort

New this year, if your team reaches $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000, each member will benefit with a gift to build your team spirit, make your team recognizable, and help you enjoy the Buddy Walk in style and comfort.

$1,000 Milestone: Every walker on teams that raise $1,000 or more will receive a Down syndrome awareness bracelet at the event.

$2,500 Milestone: Every walker receives an MDSC lanyard and personalized badge with your team name and a photo of your loved one with Down syndrome.

$5,000 Milestone: Team gets its own 10'x10' tent, banner with team name, and a cooler stocked with beverages on the Wakefield Commons. Now that's "cool."

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*Milestones must be reached Friday, Sept. 21st for each prize/incentive.

Get a Photo of Your Loved One on Our

'IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES' BANNER

This year, we continue our Buddy Walk tradition of putting together an "Imagine the Possibilities" banner (below) to line the start of the walk route.

We invite Buddy Walk Team Captains to submit your photo to be included. Send a high-resolution photo as an attachment by September 14 to Angela Ortiz at aortiz@mdsc.org.