Listen in as few of the incredible leaders from the Down Syndrome Network join us for a conversation about this year’s Buddy Walk – their biggest annual fundraiser. They also humbly talk about their contributions to this community and how each of them have benefited from being a part of this growing network.
Together, The Buddy Walk with ASU Homecoming Parade will be held on October 28, 2017 in downtown Tempe. The Buddy Walk is truly a day filled with inspiration with more than 1,000 walkers participating. This outstanding group of walkers is the lead group in the parade where thousands of enthusiastic parade spectators cheer them on. The 2017 Grand Marshall is John Tucker, one of cast members of the reality TV show “Born this Way” who is coming to Arizona for this year’s annual Buddy Walk. There is still time to contribute and/or participate!
ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME NETWORK
When a parent learns their child has Down syndrome, the news can be overwhelming. Questions of how, why, what, and a roller coaster of emotions take over. From first getting the diagnosis through school-aged years and beyond, individuals with Down syndrome and their families face a wide-range of challenges. They find themselves on a wonderful, but complicated journey to learn how to best support and nurture their loved ones. Individuals with Down syndrome are bright and creative and with every challenge they are given, they bring laughter and joy to those around them. Down Syndrome Network provides inspirational programs to more than 2,500 individuals with Down syndrome and their families. They promote positive acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and assists families every step of the way.
Without the support, education and community networking that Down Syndrome Network offers, many of parents of and individuals with Down syndrome would travel this road alone. In addition to its many programs and services, Down Syndrome Network hosts celebrations and events throughout the year to connect the members of the Down syndrome community. Our families have found the networking opportunities to be invaluable. It is a great way to gain and share knowledge, as well as celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome.
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Mary and Sam Brumand Mary is the mother of two fantastic kids. Her son, Sam, graduated from Mountain Pointe High School and is a happy-go-lucky young adult with Down syndrome living life to the fullest.
Mary is on the advisory council of the Down Syndrome Network and involved in various capacities since it was just a small group of parents meeting in a family kitchen and has watched with awe as the group has grown and blossomed.
Team Fundraising Page for Sam’s Strides
Daryl and Joe Quezada Parents of four children including her oldest Josia who has Down syndrome. Daryl serves on the Down Syndrome Network board of directors. The Quezada’s own a plumbing company – No Worries Rooter. The decision to run their own business was partly born out of Josia’s diagnosis. Daryl and her husband’s dream is to give Josia and other individuals with Down syndrome an opportunity to learn and work in the plumbing industry.
Joe received the “Spark of Awesome” DAD Award from the Down Syndrome Network at their spring fundraiser “Lights, Camera, Auction. They both volunteer as new parent mentors for Down Syndrome Network.
Louise Bowden Louise is the Director of Development for the Down Syndrome Network. She is mom to a fun-loving 19-year old son with Down syndrome, who is the love of her life. Her son and her family has benefited greatly from Down Syndrome Network. They gave me the courage to be a voice for my son and the guidance to help him succeed. She is passionate about giving parents the resources
For more information about Down Syndrome Network and to connect with Louise, Director of Development:
Down Syndrome Network | PO Box 12495, Tempe, AZ 85284
www.DSNetworkAZ.org | o: 480-759-9150 | m: 480-231-6221
Down Syndrome Network Arizona or DSNetworkAZ.org
Facebook – DSNetworkAZ
Twitter: DS_NetworkAZ
Instagram: DSNetworkAZ
#bwAZ17
