Our family will be walking in the 2017 Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte Buddy Walk on October 14th to promote community inclusion and to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome.

This will be Joshua's first *official* Buddy Walk!

Last year, we found out that Joshua possibly had an extra 21st chromosome, commonly known as Down syndrome, the week of DSA-GC's Buddy Walk. Our family was able to attend that Buddy Walk and meet with other families that shared in our newly written story. It was on that football field that we first shared our news with someone other than those closest to us and were immediately congratulated and accepted. Unfortunately in this day and age, that isn't always the case for people living with Down syndrome. You're invited to join us in supporting Joshua and many others by walking with us and/or donating to the Buddy Walk.

Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately 1 in every 700 live births. More than 200,000 individuals with Ds live in the US. Recent advances in our understanding of Down syndrome have resulted in dramatic improvements in the life span and potential of individuals with Ds.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk and family fun day - that includes arts and crafts, bounce houses and more! It is also the largest fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC). This event enables the DSAGC to put on many of its programs, including educational meetings and symposiums, Carolinas Down Syndrome Conference, First Call new and expectant parent mentor program, sleep-away Camp Horizon, summer-day Camp Holiday, life-skills Camp Cuisine, social groups, and the DSAGC Together in Education school partnership program.

The DSAGC serves individuals with Ds, families, educators and professionals in Charlotte and the 11 surrounding counties.

Thank you for supporting the 2017 DSAGC Buddy Walk!