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Bakersfield Buddy Walk
Topics: Down syndrome, walk, disability awareness, disability advocacy, fun, family
Posted by BuddyWalk Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 170 times
0 responses 1 comment Start: Oct 4, 2008
End: Oct 4, 2008
Time: 12:00pm
Price: $10 per person by 9/26/08, $15 per person after 9/26/08
Contact: Kathleen Kress | kathleenkress@bak.rr.com | (661) 477-1187
Location: Golden Valley High School, 501 Hosking Road , Bakersfield, CA 93307

The public is welcome to participate in the sixth annual Bakersfield Buddy Walk to promote understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.  This year’s walk is scheduled for: 

 

Saturday, October 4

Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Golden Valley High School (501 Hosking Avenue, Bakersfield   93307)

All Bakersfield area Rotary Clubs work jointly to sponsor this event, in conjunction with Kern Regional Center, Mercy Hospital and other local organizations.  Participants will walk four laps around the track at the Golden Valley High School football field, for a total of one mile.  The event will also showcase small businesses that are operated by people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.  Food, entertainment, games and prizes will also be available.

 

Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome is welcome to participate in the Buddy Walk.  Cost is $10.00 per person for registration by September 26, and $15.00 per person thereafter.  Family discounts are available.  Tickets can be purchased through H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection, (661) 328-9055 X257 or http://www.heartsfrc.org/20....

The Buddy Walk program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Started in 1995, hundreds of thousands of people walk from coast to coast and around the world each year.  Buddy walks have raised more than $6.5 million to promote education, research and advocacy for Down syndrome.

 

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately one in every 733 live births.  It affects people of all ages, races and economic levels and is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality.  The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.  It occurs when there are three, rather than two, number 21 chromosomes present in every cell of the body.  Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, a person with Down syndrome has 47. 

 

All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family and friends enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. More information about Down syndrome is available at http://www1.ndss.org/.

 

For more information about the 2008 Bakersfield Buddy Walk, contact Kathleen Kress from Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary at (661) 477-1187 or kathleenkress@bak.rr.com.

 

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Comment From: zero

awesome! on my birthday! I remember the 1st Annual Bakersfield Buddy Walk....back in 01 or 02.... I was the president of the Friendship Club at Ridgeview. We went to the walk, magic mountain, the kern county fair, bowling (yes, blind kids are excellent bowlers!). ...Good Times...