More alike than different…this was stated on the back of our Buddy Walk shirts this year and I loved it! Meet Destiny. “Destiny” is a cheerleading team made up of 12 cheerleaders aged 8-14 — all with developmental disabilities.

Read more about “Destiny” and see videos and pictures here.

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We had our Buddy Walk today and although the forecast had been predicting rain all week, we were blessed to stay dry! It rained some as we were driving home so we were lucky. We enjoyed a great day with family and friends and celebrated our treasures.

When Elly was diagnosed with Down syndrome we had absolutely no idea how blessed we would be. We have discovered many hidden treasures in the love and support we have received, in the wonderful people we have met and in Elly! This year our desire was to celebrate these treasures and encourage others to hunt for the treasure in their lives too.

We were blessed to have family with us from MN, SD and WI with us. Look for more pictures from our great day during October’s 31/21 posts!

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We have our Buddy Walk tommorrow and are so excited!  The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

• 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.
• The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 260 in 2006 across the country and around the world.
• At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 275 Buddy Walks this year.
• Since 1995, more than 1,750,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk program.
• Last year alone, the Buddy Walk raised more than $6.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.
• The Buddy Walk program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Local Buddy Walks are organized by NDSS Affiliates, parent support groups, schools, and other interested organizations and individuals.
• Most Buddy Walks take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
• John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox in the hit NBC show “Scrubs,” is the 2007 National Buddy Walk Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max who has Down syndrome.
• Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk.

To find a local Buddy Walk in your community, visit the “Find a Walk” section of http://www.buddywalk.org.

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I’ve been tagged by Kei at Unlimited to share 5 things I’ve learned from Elly and 5 things I wish for her future. This meme was started by Stephanie at A is for Aiden.

What we’ve learned from Elly:

1. To recognize blessings and treasures

2. Joy

3. Individuals with DS have many abilities

4. Patience

5. We have wonderful friends and family

What we wish for Elly’s future:

1. Happiness

2. Faith

3. Acceptance

4. Independence

5. Courage

I tag: Amy at The Flege Farm, Emily at Lovely and Amazing, Tara Marie at Emma Sage, Deb at Mom of 12 and loving it and Karen at Chewy Mom.

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