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On September 8, 2001 many people associated with BCARC's residential programs in the Westfield area took part in the Western Mass. Buddy Walk. Sue Lucia has organized this event since its inception four years ago. Sue states that she began the local walk to raise both awareness and understanding of people with disabilities, particularly Down Syndrome.
When her daughter April was born with Down Syndrome, Sue was disappointed by the stares and the double and triple-takes her daughter attracted. Instead of sharing the joys of her beautiful daughter, people seemed to be dismayed by April's disability.
Sue then knew she had to do something to enhance the acceptance of people with disabilities. Thus the local Buddy Walk was
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born.
This walk, one of many around the country associated with the National Down Syndrome Society, has grown significantly during the past four years. According to Sue, the first walk attracted 250 people and gave out T-shirts and Fritos. But this year 600 walkers enjoyed a barbecue donated by the Outback Steak House. Next year the goal is to add a live band for entertainment in the afternoon. It's wonderful to see the growing support from the community and from local businesses.
People need not pledge for this walk. Money, over $1,000.00 this year, is raised from the sale of
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Buddy Walk pictures, pins, and a raffle. These proceeds will be used to purchase the book, A Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome by Siegfried M. Pueschel (Brookes Publishing) which will be given to parents who are expecting or who have just given birth to a child with Down Syndrome. This book dispels the myths about the disability and contains information to increase parents confidence in themselves and to help them to more fully appreciate and enjoy their wonderful children.
To get on the mailing list for next year's walk, write to: Buddy Walk, c/o Lucia, P.O. Box 235, Agawam, MA 01001.
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