Our team is participating in the 2018 Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte Buddy Walk on October 20th to promote community inclusion and to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome. You're invited to join us by walking and/or donating to the Buddy Walk!

Our team is a combination of family, friends, teachers, and administration from the Matthew Morgan Program at both St. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School.  The Matthew Morgan Program is the inclusion model program starting at St. Patrick's Elementary for children with DS so they can learn and play with their peers throughout the school day instead of being relegated to a self contained classroom like so many schools do.  The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools are committed to providing a loving, nuturing, inclusive environment for our kids.

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 (DSA-GC). This event enables the DSA-GC 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 DSA-GC Together in Education school partnership program.

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

Thank you for supporting the 2018 DSA-GC Buddy Walk!