| 'How wonderful it is that no body need wait a single moment, before starting to improve the world..." -Anne Frank |
| "What we love to do and 400,000 reasons why" |
| Since 1997, The Family & Friends Down Syndrome Association of Niagara County, Inc. has organized The Buddy Walk of Buffalo Niagara as their yearly family fun raising and Down Syndrome awareness event in Lewiston , NY. Today, we continue our steps to promote positive public awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all families and their loved one's born with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2010 worldwide. In 2009, more than $9.5 million dollars was raised nationwide wot benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome. 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. Through our combined efforts, The DSA of Niagara County is committed: • To offer support and guidance to parents, families, individuals with Down syndrome, and associate organizations. • To promote awareness and understanding about the gifts, talents, 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. 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 Legacy of Love March 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: This event is our only annual fund-raising event of the 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. |
DSA Board Members Christine Sirianni, DSA President ,Treasurer, 716-870-4904 Anne Kaphingst DSA Vice President, 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) |
