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- 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.
- The Buddy Walk® has grown from 17 to more than 275 in 2008 across the country and around the world.
- At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 280 Buddy Walk® events this year.
- Since 1995, more than 2,000,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk® program.
- Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives.
- 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 Walk® events 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," is the 2009 National Buddy Walk® Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max who has Down syndrome.
- Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk®.
- The Buddy Walk® name, logo and program are trademark properties of the National Down Syndrome Society, and can only be used with the express written consent of NDSS.
To find a local Buddy Walk® in your community, visit the "Find a Walk" section of http://www.buddywalk.org.
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Spokesman's Message 
Press Releases
About the Buddy Walk® events 
Policies and Procedures 
