Buddy Walk^®

The Buddy Walk^® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.

The Buddy Walk^® has three primary goals:

• To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome;
• To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and
• To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.

Additional Buddy Walk^® Facts

• The Buddy Walk^® has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 250 in 2011 across the country and around the world.
• At least 285,000 people are expected to participate in more than 275 Buddy Walks this year.
• Since 1995, more than 2,750,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk^® program.
• Last year alone, the Buddy Walk^® raised more than $11.2 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs and services.
• The Buddy Walk^® program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Local Buddy Walk^® events are organized by NDSS Affiliates, parent support groups, schools, and other interested organizations and individuals.
• Most Buddy Walks take place from September through November, to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
• John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox in the hit NBC show Scrubs, was the 2009 National Buddy Walk^® Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max, his seven-year-old son who has Down syndrome.
• Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk^®.