Hi Family and Friends,

We are excited to announce that this is our 12th Annual Cruising for Kaitlyn Buddy Walk at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando. You all have supported Kaitlyn and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida in many ways through Awareness, Scholarships, Education Conferences, Buddy Up Tennis and much more. Our team alone has raised more than $37,000 making a huge difference for kids and adults with Down Syndrome over the years. 

Kaitlyn is 11 and doing amazing thanks to your ongoing support. She is in 5th grade and is still in a regular classroom thriving. She is reading, writing, dividing 3-digit numbers and counting money. This Summer she was a part of the City of Oviedo Barracuda Swim Team and received the prestigious Coaches Award for her determination and cheering on her teammates. Kaitlyn has been very fortunate to have great community support, but she works very hard on Reading Comprehension and math. Another huge accomplishment this Summer was joining her Church Family as an Acolyte serving on Sundays for the Church of the Incarnation Episcopal Church. She loves serving parishioners and God. 

Even though we celebrate these successes, she still struggles with fitting in and staying on grade level. There are many obstacles we overcome on a daily basis and making our community and the City of Orlando aware of Kaitlyn's full potential is an ongoing act of advocacy. It happens through persistence, education and a lot of patience. 

Please join us as we walk on Saturday, October 20th around Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando. We will be meeting at our tent and don't forget to wear a RED Shirt at 8am. As always, Kaitlyn will be on hand for Bear hugs and high-fives. Cheer her and others on as we walk together to further create Awareness for the Abilities of people with Down Syndrome.

Blessings,

Tommy, Erin, Allison and Kaitlyn Hagood