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A Step in the Right Direction

© Rachael Smith

These days there are walks for everything imaginable. Just about every community has a walk of one kind or another; the most notable of which being the ones for cancer. While I believe all these walks are extremely important for raising awareness and funding, I was recently privileged to take part in a BuddyWalk and it was a rewarding and truly touching experience.

Unfortunately as far as walks go, BuddyWalks are still in their infancy. By that I mean they have only recently been publicized on television and by major discount department stores. When I tell people I am starting a BuddyWalk in my area, they are perplexed, having never even heard of such a thing. Long story short, BuddyWalks are simply walks to raise awareness and promote understanding about Down Syndrome, which is after all, the second most common birth defect.

When I first learned I was going to be able to take part in a BuddyWalk, I was both anxious and excited. I wondered what it would be like to be around dozens upon dozens of children with Down Syndrome and parents who understood exactly what my life is like. I can honestly say that, in my wildest imagination, I could have never summoned up a true picture of what this experience would be like. I attended the 2001 BuddyWalk in Indianapolis, IN and from the very moment I arrived at the park, I teetered on the verge of tears, at the sheer beauty of the children I saw in front of me. The day was brisk and the walk itself was preceeded by announcements and introductions. Everywhere I looked I saw children of all ages, shapes and sizes who had Down Syndrome. I had the most overwhelming urge to hug every single one I saw and I’m sure the parents present were very happy that I resisted that urge.

So, we walked the preplanned route and still I couldn’t wipe the big, goofy grin off of my face. It just felt so perfectly wonderful and I couldn’t help but wish other people, those not involved with the world of Down Syndrome, could see what I was seeing on that day. Hundreds of people had ventured out on that slightly chilly October day to show their support for these amazing kids. Each step was a step taken out of love and a fervent desire to spread awareness.

After the walk, we were all served lunch and settled down to watch the most anticipated guests of the day. Chris Burke, and Joe and John Demasi were the featured entertainers, and I was so excited about meeting Chris I nearly bit my finger off while chomping into my sandwich. Chris Burke is an actor with Down Syndrome who appeared in the television series Life Goes On as Corky and has also had several appearances in Touched By An Angel. Joe and John Demasi are twin brothers who are long time friends of Chris’s and serve as the all around talented, singers, guitar players and comedians of the band. They came out and we, the crowd, went wild with applause and never stopped until the last note of music was played. The kids didn’t hesitate in the slightest when Chris invited them up to dance, and not one parent tried to stop their child from boogying. It was such a touching sight to see a couple dozen children with Down Syndrome dancing, smiling, and even signing along with the songs when cued to do so.

The copyright of the article A Step in the Right Direction in Parenting: Down Syndrome is owned by Rachael Smith. Permission to republish A Step in the Right Direction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.