Food trucks & fall activities: What to know about Columbus Buddy Walk supporting families

Raising kids with Down syndrome is kind of like raising local celebrities, said Melissa Clark, treasurer and former president of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus.

She remembers walking through the grocery store when her son was young and seeing adults call to him by name.

“Of course, the mama bear comes out,” Clark said. “Who are you? And why are you talking to my kid?”

People would explain how they know him from school, church or other activities. Children with Down syndrome draw people in with their demeanor, communication skills and happiness, Clark said.

This happiness is what Clark and other individuals involved with the Down Syndrome Association hope to display when they host a Buddy Walk next month to raise money to support families affected by Down syndrome and to raise awareness.

“We like to celebrate our individuals with Down Syndrome, whether that be the teeny-tiny new babies or the young adults we have in our community,” Clark said.

What to expect from the Buddy Walk

The 2024 Greater Columbus Buddy Walk is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at Lindsey Mock Pavilion and Intramural Field at Columbus State University.

This event began in 1995 and is considered the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the nation, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. There are over 100 Buddy Walks listed on the society’s website for 2024.

“It’s just a fun event for them to come and enjoy the day,” Clark said. “(They can) enjoy celebrating what it is to have Down syndrome and our families that all support us.”

Participants who register ahead of the event can expect to receive a T-shirt for this year’s walk, said Carrie Defenbaugh, president of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Columbus. Shirts will be available while supply lasts for those who choose to register upon entry to the Buddy Walk.

The event also will include bounce houses, food trucks, a DJ and fall festival activities, such as face painting and pumpkin painting.

Exhibitors also will be in attendance with resources to help individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

“That is one way for the families to (discover) some of the resources that they didn’t know existed,” Defenbaugh said.

Impact of the Down Syndrome Association

The Buddy Walk is the primary fundraising event for the Down Syndrome Association’s work throughout the year.

They hold parent events, play groups and offer respite for members in the hospital or for those who have medical needs. The association also gives baskets to new parents of children with Down Syndrome, said co-secretary Tara Barnes.

“It’s something to congratulate (parents),” Barnes said. “Because that gets lost a little bit once you receive that diagnosis.”

Before parents get the diagnosis, she said, there is excitement. But after they find out their child has Down syndrome, parents are often met with solemn looks.

The association’s focus on providing support and connecting families with others who are facing similar issues is a main priority. They also work to find more information and resources that individuals with Down syndrome will face at different life stages.

One example of this is sharing information from recent studies about how to help girls with Down syndrome navigate puberty, personal hygiene and other women’s health concerns.

“It’s really easy for people to say, ‘Oh, it’s a Down syndrome’ thing,” Barnes said. “Maybe. But, maybe not.”

Health concerns that go along with Down syndrome can involve gastric and behavioral issues, Clark said, but the association also focuses on other considerations. These can include addressing legal resources to help ensure they have long-term care and working with the autism community because there could be a dual diagnosis.

Although raising children with Down syndrome can have challenges, Barnes said, their kids bring the people around them joy with their curiosity.

Oftentimes, people will underestimate kids with Down syndrome, Defenbaugh said, but they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Clark’s 17-year-old son loves science. He loves to talk about whales, trees, hurricanes and the environment.

“You should always presume competence,” Clark said. “If you see someone in town (who’s) a young adult with Down syndrome, speak to them like an adult. Ask them a question.”

Visit the organization’s website to register for the Buddy Walk or donate.