JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville is getting ready for one of its biggest events of the year, while also reminding families that support is available throughout the year.
TJ Ward, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, or DSAJ, and Joy Parman, a local mother whose daughter has Down syndrome, spoke with WOKV about the upcoming Buddy Walk and the importance of supporting people with Down syndrome.
The Buddy Walk will take place October 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. The event is DSAJ’s biggest fundraiser of the year, but Ward said it is also a celebration of people with Down syndrome and a way to bring more awareness to inclusion.
The event is open to the public, and people can still walk up and take part. There is a cost for official registration, which includes a T-shirt, but people can also attend the event for free. Donations are also accepted. The event will happen rain or shine.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, making the event another opportunity for the organization to teach the community about Down syndrome and the lives of people who have it.
Parman shared the story of her youngest daughter, Kennedy, who is turning 14. Parman learned about her daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis when she was about 20 weeks pregnant. Doctors first found a heart problem before more testing led to the diagnosis. Kennedy was born early and spent 45 days in the NICU.
Parman said DSAJ reached out to her family early and helped connect them with resources and other families who understood what they were going through.
Ward said that is still an important part of the organization’s work. DSAJ offers information, programs and connections for people with Down syndrome and their families, from birth through adulthood. The organization also offers scholarships to some families who qualify.
For Parman, one message is especially important for parents who have just learned their child has Down syndrome.
She said the first thing she would tell them is, “congratulations.”
Parman said families often hear sympathy first after a diagnosis, but she wants parents to know their child is someone worth celebrating.
Ward said events like the Buddy Walk can also help change how people see Down syndrome and show what people with Down syndrome are able to do.
For more information about the Buddy Walk, DSAJ programs, donations and resources for families, visit DSAJ.org.
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