9th Annual Houston Buddy Walk® - November 14th, 2009  | |
- The Houston Buddy Walk® is going to take place in Downtown Houston again, starting and ending at JONES PLAZA! Saturday, November 14th, from 10am-2pm.
- Register Online Now! You can start a team or join an existing team, or make an online donation. Credit card payments make it easy for you - nothing to send in! It's safe with PayPal : )
- The 1.5 mile walk goes along the trails of Buffalo Bayou, behind the Wortham Center, crossing the new pedestrian bridge, going around Sesquicentennial Park, and back to Jones Plaza.
- Look for your Buddy Walk® Packet to arrive in July. It will contain lots of information, so every member of DSAH can learn how to start a team and how to raise money for their team.
- Prizes will be awarded to the Team with the Most Registered Walkers, the top 3 Teams that Raise the Most Money, and then to teams with the Most Spirit , the Most Creative theme/costumes, and new this year, the Best Team Banner!
- After the walk, we will hold the BUDDY® BASH, where we have the Awards Ceremony, food, music performances, family activities, vendors with lots of information, and the children’s arts & crafts.
| Houston Buddy Walk® 2008 Photos (various photographers)
DATES TO REMEMBER | | 6/5 - Online Registration is OPEN for business!
7/18 - TEAM CAPTAIN'S MEETING - from 11am - 1pm (held at the Resource Center)
8/?? - 2nd Team Captain's Meeting - date to be announced
10/16 - Deadline for SPONSORS to get on T-SHIRTS
11/7 - T-Shirt Pick-Up - from 10am - 2pm (at Resource Center)
- Turn in Donations
- Deadline to be eligible for Top Fundraising Teams and Most Walkers prizes
11/14 - BUDDY WALK DAY!!! | Facts about Down Syndrome  | | Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality. One in every 800 to 1,000 babies is born with Down syndrome.
There are more than 350,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels.
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today.
People with Down syndrome attend school, find work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society.
Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future | Links for Local Resources
|
Count Down | days, hours, mintues, | | seconds until the fun begins. |
Event Goal for 2009 Goal
$150,000
Raised
$6,590
28 Teams
168 Walkers |  | Team With the Most Walkers About the Buddy Walk® | | The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:
- To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
- To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
- To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.
At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 280 Buddy Walk® events this year.
Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.
Most Buddy Walk® events take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. | |