Author: Jen Franklin Kearns, ds-connex team member

Walk Profile: DSSKY’S 18TH Annual Buddy Walk®
Walk Date: Saturday, September 17, 2016
Who: Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky
Location: Bowling Green Ball Park
Walk Registration Website: http://www.ds-stride.org/dsskybuddywalk
Organization Website: http://www.dssky.org

The 18th Annual DSSKY Buddy Walk® was quite a celebration! When we spoke with Jane Tichenor, Director of DSSKY’s Buddy House, and Melissa Painter, Office Manager at the Buddy House, they described their walk as just that: “a celebration of individuals of all ages with Down syndrome, and it brings together different people from a large group of communities in South Central Kentucky”. Each year, this inspiring event, as well as all the fun activities at the walk, attracts many families and leaves them smiling and happy.

Jane, who has been involved with DSSKY since 1996, has a daughter with Down syndrome and Melissa has a cousin with Down syndrome. These personal connections to the Down syndrome community have prompted the ladies to help grow the Buddy Walk® in Bowling Green. Jane has experienced 17 events, and she fondly remembers a moment from their second year when the walk was led by a bag piper. Melissa enjoys seeing families that they typically don’t see at other times of the year.

The growth of their event has been tremendous, due in part to the great community support that they receive. Over 30 community partners have vendors’ tables at the event, and since they transitioned to the team concept, they now see “different packs of shirts” in “a nice rainbow of colors” as the teams walk around the field at Bowling Green Ball Park. Once they moved their event to the ball park, they saw a big increase in participants. The support they receive from the minor league team is remarkable, and they have support from a local TV station, as well. “We have school groups who are just as excited as our families about the Buddy Walk®,” Jane explains. “It warms my heart.”

There were hours of entertainment at this year’s DSSKY Buddy Walk®! Inflatables, a DJ, a photo booth, carnival games, a magic show, and performances from the Rockerz Dance Team delighted all who attended the event. The theme of this year’s DSSKY Buddy Walk®, “I Can! Because You Believe”, was demonstrated in full force by all the love and support the community brings to this event.

DSSKY has a goal of raising $70,000 for their 18th Annual Buddy Walk®. Funds raised from the walk help the organization provide valuable programming and support to its service area. Programs through the Buddy House, partnerships with the university programs, therapies, Special Olympics, and support to their community (via newsletters and their volunteer program) are all funded through the Buddy Walk®.

To show your support for DSSKY’s 18th Annual Buddy Walk®, please visit their fundraising site at http://www.ds-stride.org/dsskybuddywalk
To learn more about DSSKY, please visit http://www.dssky.org

This post is a continuation of our Down Syndrome Walk Profile series. We’ll be profiling and highlighting Down Syndrome Walks from around the country in an effort to share the stories and experiences that make Down syndrome communities so vibrant and unique. Check back for future posts in this series coming soon.