DSAGNO Buddy Walk

6th Annual
DSAGNO BUDDY WALK
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008

SAVE THE DATE!

Questions? Call (504) 251-8953

What's a Buddy Walk? You’ve asked all your friends and relatives if they want to walk in the Buddy Walk and they immediately say "sure." Then, a few minutes later they ask you, "just what IS a Buddy Walk anyway?" Well, here’s your answer: The National Down Syndrome Society and local groups hold Buddy Walks all over the U.S. to promote inclusion, acceptance and awareness of the abilities of those with Down syndrome. The walks are usually (but not always) held in October -- National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Most walks are one-mile long and benefit local groups and the National Down Syndrome Society, the largest non-governmental provider of funds for Down syndrome research. But mainly what they are is FUN!

Our Message. . One of the goals of DSAGNO is to raise the community’s awareness that people with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in the educational, occupational, social and recreational activities in our community. Today in the US, and right here in the New Orleans area, there are people with Down syndrome who have graduated from regular high public school, received their driver’s license, attended college. They work, pay taxes, get married and have something to give back to the community.

What’s Different About the New Orleans Buddy Walk? ? It’s a Buddy Walk New Orleans style of course! There will be an after-the-walk party with food fun and entertainment. Watch this site and our "INFORMATION ALERT" page for Buddy Walk updates.

Who Benefits from Buddy Walk? The Down Syndrome Association of GNO and the National Down Syndrome Society.
The Down Syndrome Association will proceeds of Buddy Walk to support its parent information programs. As a parent support group, we strive to provide the most information possible on new therapies, other information sources, research, etc. to all of our members. When you support Buddy Walk you help us continue to bring our members more information in the form of an enhanced web site and newsletter, outreach materials, speakers and much more. Each year, 1 in 800 to 1,000 live births in the United States is a child with Down syndrome…for every one of those children are two parents who need support and guidance.
Again this year, a portion of the proceeds will go to NDSS, the largest non-governmental sponsor of Down syndrome research in the United States. The NDSS sponsors vital research that benefits many people with Down syndrome. NDSS and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) have entered into a $3.9 million partnership that will result in the largest sum of funding ever earmarked for Down syndrome research.

Where and when does the New Orleans Buddy Walk take place? Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in LaSalle Park, next to Zephyr Field on Airline Drive in Metairie.

How do I register? If you've participated in BW before, you may receive a registration form in the mail. But if you don't, there will be a downloadable registration form on this site in the near future. You may also call (504) 251-8953.

Can I volunteer? YES, YES AND YESSSSSS!!! Check out our volunteers page to the left or call DSAGNO for further information (504) 251-8953.

Can my company sponsor the event? Again, YES AND YESSSSSS!!! Check out our sponsor page to the left or call call DSAGNO for further information (504) 251-8953.

Can I donate to the event or get individual sponsors? Of course. This is a FUNdraiser!!! Check out our sponsor page to the left or call call DSAGNO for further information (504) 251-8953.

Please join us at our next Buddy Walk of GNO
We look forward to seeing you there!