The MDSC's 19th Buddy Walk & Family Festival on Sunday is coming up fast! 

As the biggest fundraiser and awareness event of the year, it wouldn't be possible without the amazing efforts of so many, including our Buddy Walk co-chairs Danielle and Andrew Thompson. 

Danielle and Drew have been supporting the MDSC ever since their beautiful son Drew was born. In just a few years, we have seen Drew grow into quite a handsome boy. 

And we have kept him busy too - he recently recorded an awesome Public Service Announcement with special Buddy Walk guests Karen K. and George Foreman III. Look for it on WBZ-TV, our official network sponsor. Drew even came to the launch of our Your Next Star employment public awareness campaign (right). He's a little young, but as you can see, he's already Ready for Work! 

Without further delay, we wanted you to hear directly from Danielle and Andrew! Read their letter below and be sure to say "Hi" and "Thank you" at the walk. 

REGISTER NOW!
PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES 
MIDNIGHT THURSDAY
 T-shirts are only guaranteed to those who pre-register for the event

A Letter from Danielle & Andrew Thompson 
Dear Friends & Family,

We are just a few days away from the MDSC's 19th Annual Buddy Walk and Family Festival. Final plans and details are wrapping up, and we've been honored to work so closely for the first time as Co-Chairs to this year's event! 

To see the tireless hours and work put into making this event what it is today, was humbling to say the least. The MDSC staff, Task Force members, Board members and volunteers are truly dedicated to our community, our loved ones with Down syndrome and their futures. It takes a whole community. 

This will be our third Buddy Walk as a family since Drew was born. As the day approaches it's easy to reflect back on his first days. We have a vivid memory of seeing him for the first time and instantly falling in love. Moments later, when the doctors were telling us he was showing signs of Down syndrome, I'll admit I didn't quite know what that meant. 

I immediately shut out the opinions of others about what he could or would do, and instead focused on my newborn. Thankfully, within a day, the MDSC came into our lives in the form of a newsletter and pamphlet in my hospital room. I remember glancing at it and thinking, "Whew! There is a community out there in the big unknown world that can help us."  

Remembering those moments, and then seeing Drew today, we couldn't be more proud! Because of the MDSC programs we have made lifelong friendships, and feel blessed to be part of this amazing community! 

Making a Difference Now for Drew's Future
Drew will be turning the BIG 3 years old next month. I think most of us can relate to how big of a transition it will be. It's yet another reason we are thankful for the MDSC - we know their programs and services continue to support Drew and us as parents through each year and transition into adulthood. 

The MDSC has had two major initiatives in the past year that promise to make a huge difference in Drew's life for a long time to come. 

Last year, the MDSC released its comprehensive education manual, "Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome - a Resource Guide for Elementary Educators." The guide, a long-term project by the MDSC's Education Task Force, provides a detailed look at the complex learning profile of students with Down syndrome, as well as providing information around best practices and educational considerations that are based upon research-proven best practices. Though the guide was written specifically for Massachusetts, there is such an appetite for this information that hundreds of copies have sold around the country! 

Then, just last week, the MDSC launched a new groundbreaking public awareness campaign that will open the eyes of employers to the power of people with Down syndrome in the workforce. It's called Your Next Star, and it shows the incredible value that people with Down syndrome can add for their employers when just given a chance. 

You can imagine how these two initiatives alone will help Drew and thousands of others get the best education possible and meaningful work that will give him a fulfilling life! 

A Family Festival with So Much Going On
This year, we have an amazing entertainment lineup that will keep everyone happy. Making his debut emceeing the event is anchor Chris McKinnon of WBZ-TV, the official network sponsor.

The Buddy Walk stage will be full of other talent too, including two newcomers - kids performers Karen K and the Jitterbugs and boxer and inspirational speaker George Foreman III. (See below... Drew even got to be in a PSA with them, and they were awesome!). 

Returning fan favorites Ayla Brown and the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Program will be back again too! 

On the grounds, you'll find complimentary snacks and refreshments, lunch options for purchase, Mister Vic and his musical petting zoo, arts and crafts, balloon artists, face painting, and much more!

And of course, there's what may be the biggest draw - our amazing, warm, welcoming community, where you'll see old friends and meet new friends for a lifetime!


Let's Do This Together
Each year, our team sets a BOLD team fundraising goal to support the MDSC's programs and services such as Your Next Star, the Parents' First Call Program, Advocates in Motion (AIM), the Self Advocate Advisory Council, and MDSC affiliate groups Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (D.A.D.S) and Down Syndrome Autism Connection (DSAC). 

It is up to all of us to ensure that the MDSC will be around for our children and friends for many years to come. So please join us on Oct. 11 at scenic Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts for the walk and festival. We hope to see you there! 

THANK YOU to all of you who continue to support, walk, fundraise, raise awareness and donate so that people who have Down syndrome like Drew are accepted, included and given the chance to achieve their wildest dreams. The world is ours!

Have an awesome day, 

Danielle, Andrew & Drew Thompson 
Westford, Mass. 


Go here to Register Today
 
P.S. - Remember that t-shirts are only guaranteed for participants who pre-register before midnight on Thursday. 

Register Now for the Buddy Walk & Family Festival in Wakefield

 

Where the Funds Go

Funds raised by the Buddy Walk support MDSC programs and services, including Parents First Call, Advocates in Motion, Self-Advocate Advisory Council, the Annual Conference, the Educators Forum, Allen C. Crocker Self Advocate Internship Program and our advocacy and public awareness initiatives, all of which seek to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives.


THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS 

 

 


About the Buddy Walk Program

NDSS BW logo2 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