History of The Buddy WalkIn 1995 the National Down Syndrome Society established the Buddy Walk. Generally, the Buddy Walk is held in October, which is national Down syndrome awareness month, and is sponsored by the NDSS, along with local parent support groups, businesses, and other organizations. The goal of the Buddy Walk is to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. Over the past 10 years, more than 955,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk nationwide. Last year alone, there were more than 214 Buddy Walks, which involved more than 200,00 people. For more information, please check out www.buddywalk.org .
Putting on the 2005 " Buddy Walk At The Beach " The Three Girls and their Pacifica Project We have three high school seniors joining us this year on our Board of Directors: Jackie Bermingham, Brenna Archibald, and Jenna Archibald. They have chosen to help plan and coordinate this years Buddy Walk, as their Pacifica Project. All seniors who attend Seaside High School must complete a Pacifica Project in order to graduate. A Pacifica Project is a community service project, which must be volunteer work that is done to benefit your community. A minimum of 50 hours of volunteer work is required. The hope is that the student will be introduced to volunteer work in a positive way, and will continue to practice this type of work in their future. I recently sat down with the girls, and that interview is below: Why do you want to take this on for your Pacifica Project? Jackie: Not enough people know about Down syndrome, or really understand what it is. I'm hoping that through the Buddy Walk more people will "get" it. Jenna: People only think about the hardships, they don't think about the blessings. Brenna: I want people to see the positive impact these children have on their families. What do you hope to learn/gain by being involved in the Buddy Walk? Jenna: I think we will learn about sacrifice, and how much goes into a one day event. Jackie: I hope to learn about organization in planning an event from the very beginning. Brenna: I hope to learn more about Down syndrome. All I know is what I've learned from being around Jenessa. It will be nice to meet other people with Down syndrome. What strengths do you feel you bring to the project? Brenna: I'm enthusiastic, will to do whatever is needed, and I'm very hard working. Jenna: I bring the young adult perspective, and I'm excited to be doing this. The three of us have been best friends since 3 rd grade, and we work well together. Jackie: I have good leadership skills, and I'm motivated to help and learn. What have you learned from knowing Jenessa? (Note to reader: Jenessa is my daughter.) Brenna: The way a person looks isn't important. Deep down she's still a little girl with needs and hopes like any other child. Jenna: That kids with Down syndrome are capable and smart, just like "typical" kids! Jackie: Since she's my sister, I've learned the most here! She is so special, so cute, and I love her sooooooooooooo much! I never knew anyone with Down syndrome before she was born, and I'm so lucky to have her as a sister. ************************ We, the Board of Directors, are honored to have these 3 capable young women joining us this year. It is our hope and deepest desire that they walk away from this having learned more than they ever thought possible. Working with the DS community is truly a blessing, and we hope these young women will be truly blessed. |
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