The 2009 Buddy Walk was a great success. This year we were very excited to have special guest, Laz D join us for a concert.  Laz D is a hip hop/rap artist who delivers messages of hope, love, and compassion.   Laz D has is an accomplished artist who just happens to have Down syndrome.  We invite everyone to learn more about Laz D and his music.  Go to Laz-D  to listen to some of his music and get inspired.

We will be getting pictures up soon, so please check back.

The Buddy Walk is a wonderful way to celebrate those we love born with Down syndrome. Anyone’s invited- the more the merrier! This is the Emerald Family Down Syndrome Network’s largest fundraiser. Families circulate pledge forms to their neighbors, co workers and friends prior to the walk. The Buddy Walk is a great way to educate our community about Down syndrome awareness. Using the pledge forms and talking about the Buddy Walk to people outside our immediate circle gives a more personal testimony that people with Down syndrome deserve to be accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they contribute to our community.

90% of all money we raised at the Buddy Walk stays here locally to support our EFDSN programs and events. The remaining 10% we raise at the Buddy walk is given to:

• The National Down Syndrome Society, to support their endeavors to make the Buddy Walk successfully worldwide.
• The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation at Stanford University.
• SAIL, who is a local organization working toward funding independent housing for adults with disabilities.