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2013 to Boast 3 Buddy Walks
Wakefield, Cape Cod, & Central Mass.
JOIN US AT ONE... OR ALL THREE
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Dear MDSC Family,
In 2013, for the first time in our 30-year history, the MDSC is hosting three Buddy Walks across the state!
We are incredibly excited about the expansion of our Buddy Walk Program this year to include a Central Mass event. Each of our Buddy Walks has a unique feel that captures the character of its surroundings.
REGISTER BELOW
...for one or more!
Each Buddy Walk, in its own individual way, will bring families together, create awareness and leave you and your family with memories to last a lifetime (or at least until your next Buddy Walk)!
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On the Cape This Summer?
Buddy Walk by the Sea - July 27, Falmouth
Once again, our Buddy Walk by the Sea rolls into Falmouth Marine Park (below) over the summer, raising awareness across the Cape,  Islands and South Shore and raising funds for critical MDSC programs. Last year we welcomed more than 250 people.
This year promises to be bigger and better, as we go "overboard" with our Pirate theme. The Toe Jam Puppet Band will kick off the festivities. Move your feet to the 'Skull & Crossbones Square Dance', don your fiercest pirate gear, and meet some local Cape Cod mermaids! Plus, our Self-Advocate Ambassadors will return to the stage.
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Nothing like Autumn in Central Mass!
1st Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair - Sept. 22, Uxbridge
Our first ever Buddy Walk & Harvest Fair in Central Massachusetts will be held September 22 at the beautiful River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. We expect to bring more than 500 individuals with Down syndrome, families, and friends together for an early autumn celebration.
We will have children's entertainment, games and refreshments, culminating with an early autumn 1-mile stroll around the grounds. Funds raised will support all MDSC programs advocating for full, meaningful lives for individuals with Down syndrome across the state.
REGISTER NOW!
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Our Biggest Awareness Event Can't Be Beat
17th Buddy Walk & Family Festival - Oct. 13, Wakefield
For 16 years, it was known as the Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. It has always been our biggest annual awareness event and fundraiser. In fact, because of the "festival" atmosphere and the variety of entertainment offerings -- live performances, face-painting, music-making,  climbing trucks, etc. -- we have decided to more accurately call it our the Buddy Walk & Family Festival.
This year, we are launching a new lunch program to give you more control and variety in the food offerings. We are also thrilled to welcome back to our Buddy Walk stage in 2013 Rachel Coleman of "Signing Time!" (right), the television program that teaches children basic American Sign Language in a fun, engaging way.
Register as a Team Captain by June 1st
for a free autographed photo of Rachel Coleman
* We encourage walkers ages 13 and up to strive for a $150 fundraising minimum by October 31
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About the Buddy Walk® Program
 The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2013 worldwide. In 2012, more than $11.5 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome. The MDSC Buddy Walk Program is New England's largest public awareness platform to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
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Promoting Acceptance & Inclusion
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Mission
We work to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.
www.mdsc.org
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