How do I register?

Easy online registration is available for you and/or your team!  Simply click on the "Register" button above.

OR: To print your registration form and mail in, please go to:
HADSA Buddy Walk

• 9:00 Registration opens, raffle tickets available for sale, silent auctions open.
• 10:45 Please take a seat. Prize announcements, Raffle sales end.  Buddy Walk Kick Off with Guest of Honor, Michelle Pettitt.
• 11:00 HADSA BuddyWalk , one mile is 4 times around the field.
• 11:30 Silent auction tables start closing every 15 minutes. 50/50 Cash Raffle Drawing.  Item raffle winners announced. 

The Buddy Walk is a one mile walk, short enough for all to participate. Both before and after the Buddy Walk, you and your family will enjoy many activities including a raffle, a silent auction, live music, clowns, face painting and much more!

The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to celebrate October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Everyone is welcome!  Children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome, family members, friends, teachers, health care professionals, corporate teams and members of the community are all welcome at the Buddy Walk!

• The Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association was formed in 1999 and merged with the East Central Iowa Down Syndrome Support Group in 2002.
• The mission of the association is to provide support, resources and advocacy with the aim of increasing awareness and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers.
• HADSA membership includes self advocates, parents, grandparents and other caregivers as well as professionals.
• HADSA is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.

• Provide new parent resource packet and welcome basket
• Parent support group with monthly informational meetings
• Source for current information and referrals
• Distribution of books to education professionals and libraries at area schools
• Resource lending library
• Social activities (i.e. summer picnic, Christmas party, etc.)
• Provide speakers for groups interested in learning more about Down syndrome
• Assist with scholarships to workshops and conferences relating to Down syndrome
• Host an annual workshop on a topic relating to Down syndrome

• Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, occurring in approximately 1 in 733 live births.
• It affects people of all ages, races, and economic levels and is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality.
• More than 400,000 people have Down syndrome in the United States.
• Trisomy 21 is the most common form of Down syndrome, when there are three (instead of the typical two) number 21 chromosomes in every cell of the body.
• 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. This is because more women in this age group are having children. There is no known cause of the extra chromosome found in Down syndrome.
• 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.
• Most people with Down syndrome who receive appropriate medical care and are included in community life are expected to adapt successfully.
• We are more alike than different!