Buddy Walk!

It's hard to believe that 3 years ago we didn't even know that the Buddy Walk existed.  We were still a couple of months away from being introduced to the Down syndrome community.  We were so oblivious and unaware of this world.  Now, after schools are back in session and the leaves start to turn, the start of Fall means Buddy Walk time.  And each year, this walk reminds me of how wonderful a community we are a part of.   Imagine a place where kids of all abilities are laughing and playing together.  And nobody cares who has what number of chromosomes.  That is what the Buddy Walk is to me.  And it gives me hope that the outside world isn't too far behind.  

We are so so so thankful to our friends and family who are "Mason's Maniacs."  We raised over $2100 as a team  and over $175,000 as a community for local and national Down syndrome associations.  This money will go a long way in providing learning, research and advocacy programs for people with Down syndrome.

This year we had such a wonderful turn out and we are so glad to introduce new friends each year to our world.   "Acceptance" is an easy word to learn but not as easy to put into practice on the playground of life.  But, kids learn from example.  And we hope that by participating in the Buddy Walk, all children will begin to learn people are people first and that everyone deserves the same love, respect and opportunities.  Go Team Mason's Maniacs!!

Below are a few other shots from the day.

See you at next year's Buddy Walk!   (October 15, 2011) 

I leave you with a sign from the Walk that my mother in law photographed and I want to share with you...