| '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. |
| 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) |
