'How wonderful it is that no body
need wait a single moment,
before starting to
improve the world..."
-Anne Frank
"Touching Hearts...Opening Minds...
Changing Lives Together..."
"What we love to do and 500,000 reasons why"

The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara County, Inc.
organizes yearly a fun raising family event and only licensed and registered  
Buddy Walk      with The National Down Syndrome Society in our locale. The
Buddy Walk     of Buffalo-Niagara was formed in 1997 as a kickoff of the national
program started in 1995 in celebration of the lives of people born with Down
Syndrome and to recognize October as  the National Down Syndrome
Awareness month. Through our Buddy Walk     of Buffalo-Niagara efforts, The
DSA of Niagara County is committed to supporting and enhancing the quality of
life and publicly promoting the potential of all people with Down syndrome. It is
our mission:
•   To promote awareness and understanding about the gifts, talent, and positive
contributions that individuals with Down Syndrome make to their communities;
•   To assist in the development of programs and activities that enhance the
quality of ones life and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome in all aspects
of community life including education, employment, leisure and recreation,
quality health care, transportation, and independent living opportunities;
•   To support nationwide research efforts to find cures and improve medical
intervention that will enhance the lives of millions of people living with
congenital health problems directly related to Down syndrome.
•  To provide a fun end of summer event bringing families together to celebrate
and form lasting friendships.

The Buddy Walk     has become the leading venue for raising positive
awareness about people with Down Syndrome and it has grown from 17 walks
in 1995 to well over 275 walks in 2009. Since 1995, more than 955,000 people
have participated in the program and at least 300,000 more are expected to
participate worldwide this year. Locally, we have grown from a small committee
of 3 parents in Niagara County to a network of nearly 500 families representing
the WNY area. Last year alone, the National Buddy Walk     program raised more
than $10 million to benefit national education, research, and advocacy initiatives
as well as local programs and services.

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down Syndrome in the United
States today. Millions of people’s lives are touched by someone with Down
Syndrome including family members, educators, employers, health care
professionals, peers, and others. Down Syndrome affects people of all ages,
races, and economic levels. It is the most common chromosomal alteration  
accounting for about one in 733 live births. Quality education programs, a
stimulating home environment, good medical care, and positive support from
family, friends, and the community at large enable people with Down Syndrome
to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives as contributing members of
society.  

Please help us to continue to reach our neighboring communities and families.
We are asking for your support this year by getting the word out about the
Buddy Walk     of Buffalo-Niagara and join us on the day of our celebration. Your
support will certainly make a difference in reaching more families and continue
our mission, thank you!

Please Note: The Buddy Walk   of Buffalo Niagara is our Annual fundraising
event and time of year. It is an event organized for families and children to join
together in the largest community wide celebration to raise positive awareness
in the enjoyable family oriented venue of the Annual Lewiston Kiwanis Peach
Festival. All contributions are happily accepted and should be remitted to The
Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara, Inc., thank you.
FFDSAN E-News
-Foundation for "Paulie G
Lending Library
-Resources on Down Syndrome
You need Java to see this applet.
Home
Resources
DSA Board Members

Christine Sirianni,
DSA President ,Treasurer,
Buddy Walk     Director
716-870-4904

Anne Kaphingst
DSA Vice President,
Buddy Walk     Co-Chair

Wendy Gracyzk
DSA Secretary

Members At Large
MaryLou Trunzo
Rich Meredith III
Bobbie Meredith
Calendar of Events
click here for Information
***NEW Web Seminars
*Quarterly Meetings
*Buddy Bowling
*Keys to Making Music
(An enrichment music program)
Buddy Walk    2010 Brochure
What Is A Buddy Walk
New Parent Brochure