It’s the 18th year for our Annual Buddy Walk® of East Texas. This landmark year our local Buddy Walk® will be Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the ROC at First Baptist Church in Longview. The event is 10am-1pm and the walk will be at 11am. The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk® program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals. Over the past twenty-two years, the Buddy Walk® program has grown from 17 walks to more than 250 expected in 2017. In 2016, more than $12 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk® is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join us at the Buddy Walk® of East Texas! Want to make a difference and help this year? Contact us about becoming a sponsor at eastTXbuddywalk@gmail.com.