Opinion

Buddy Walk strives to help those with Down syndrome

Posted October 04, 2009 11:00 pm

By Victoria L. Tulcus Guest Columnist

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.

Today, Victoria L. Tulcus of Westmont describes how the Chicagoland Buddy Walk has helped her godson, Jake, and why she'll walk on Sunday, Oct. 11, to benefit organizations that expand the opportunities people with Down syndrome. The walk steps off at 2:30 p.m. at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

It takes something really important to get me to stray from my usual Sunday schedule of sleeping late and being lazy. The one event that motivates me to get off the couch and get involved is the Chicagoland Buddy Walk.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Money raised from the event is used to support national and local programs that help make life better for those in this community.

I got involved with the Buddy Walk seven years ago as a way to show love and support for my godson, Jake, as well as others affected by Down syndrome.

Thanks to funding from the Buddy Walk, the lives of Jake and everyone in our family have benefited. For example, sometimes people with Down syndrome have developmental delays in their speech. Can you imagine how frustrating it would be for a child to not be able to tell you that they are hungry, hurting or scared?

Programs and initiatives made possible through the Buddy Walk teach children like Jake to use sign language to better communicate with others. In turn, now our whole family knows some sign language, too. I know how to sign all the crucial words like hamburger, cookies and milk!

The Buddy Walk makes possible exciting field trips and excursions that bring variety, education and fun into Jake's life. From going to the movies to playing ice hockey, Jake's life is full of experiences that make him a well-rounded little boy. His calendar always seems to be full and he is quite the social butterfly.

The Buddy Walk is an inspiring, fun experience that involves the whole community. It's much more than just walking - it's a party in the park. Local high school students volunteer to lead games for younger kids. Volunteers work together to register walkers, distribute official T-shirts and sell raffle tickets for generous prizes donated from local businesses. Sports mascots always visit the Buddy Walk and pose for pictures, give hugs and start crowds giggling with their mischievous antics. There is music and entertainment throughout the day. Some groups even bring picnic feasts from home.

Then comes the very special time of the day when we walk.

We walk to promote understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome; to continue support for advancements that increase the life span of people with Down syndrome; and to help fund programs that improve the quality of life for those who are affected.

I walk for Jake. He's the best reason of all.

The Chicagoland Buddy Walk is the featured event in an afternoon that includes games, kids activities and visits from sports teams' mascots. Courtesy of Plainfield Area Down Syndrome Support Group

Chicagoland Buddy Walk Why: To raise money and awareness for eight organizations that provide resources and opportunities for people with Down syndrome When: Sunday, Oct. 11; registration from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., entertainment begins at noon, walk begins at 2:30 p.m. Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton Cost: $15 per person, with discounts for families Info: <a href="http://chicagolandbuddywalk.org" target="new">chicagolandbuddywalk.org</a>

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