SAVE THE DATE - 10th Annual Houston Buddy Walk® - November 6th, 2010 | | Save the Date – Saturday, November 6th, 2010
10th Annual Houston Buddy Walk® will be held at Jones Plaza once more!
Click here to register for 2010: http://houstonbuddywalk.org/DSAH/2010BuddyWalk
This year it will be a FREE EVENT for all walkers!!
No charge to walk, or join a team, or start a team – FREE for the WHOLE FAMILY!
Instead, the focus will be on Raising Awareness for Down Syndrome and Raising Funds for the wonderful programs and services provided by Down Syndrome Association of Houston!
It’s going to be our 10th Anniversary of the walk – it will surely be GREAT!
check our DSAH website for forms and information: www.dsah.org | Houston Buddy Walk® 2008 Photos (various photographers incl Laura Popiel Photography)
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 400,000 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 Our Sponsors and Local Resources
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Event Goal for 2009 Goal
$150,000
Raised
$157,689
120 Teams
3342 Walkers |  | Top Fundraising Teams | Mason's Mob | $13,050 | | Alex's Angels | $7,935 | | Christian's Caped Crusaders | $7,515 | | Ava's Army | $7,056 | | Brayden's Buddies | $6,220 | | Victoria's Rock Stars | $5,825 | | Zac's Gang | $5,145 | | Ty's Team | $5,000 | | Ches's Convoy | $4,410 | | Joshua's Buckaroos | $4,210 |
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. | |