Buddy Walk Promotes Awareness & Acceptance of Down Syndrome

----Southwest Florida individuals with Down syndrome, their friends and family and many other supporters marched in full force Saturday, September 27th, 2003 for the second annual Buddy Walk, organized by Southwest Florida PODS Angles support group, a support group for families of children with Down syndrome and the National Down Syndrome Society. The Buddy walk celebrates October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and promotes the awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome.
----The Fort Myers Buddy Walk will began at 10 am at Lion’s Park on Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers and will end at Centennial Park. A one-mile walk. Lunch and live music.
---- By promoting awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome, Southwest Florida PODS Angles support group hopes to break down many of the existing stereotypes about the abilities of people with this genetic condition and show that they are more like their non-disabled peers than they are different. All funds raised through the Buddy Walk support Southwest Florida PODS Angels support group’s local programs and the National Down Syndrome Society’s education, research and advocacy efforts.
----Call Mary Pringle at 239-872-4778 for more information and other events and services for individuals with Down syndrome.
----Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality affecting more than 350,000 people in the United States. People with Down syndrome posses a wide range of abilities and are active participants in the educational, occupational, social and recreational activities of the community.