Buddy Walk® and Birth to 3 Edition
October 10, 2017
Week at a Glance:
October 9 - Team Packet Pick up 8:30-2:30
October 10 - Team Packet Pick up 8:30-2:30
October 10 - DSI DADS Monthly Meeting
October 11 - Team Packet Pick up 8:30 - 2:30
October 12- Team Packet Pick up 8:30AM - 7:00PM
October 14 - 20th Annual Buddy Walk® Indy at Celebration Plaza 
October 15 - Free All Ages Tennis Lessons

Check out upcoming activities and events on the Down Syndrome Indiana Calendar of Events at: http://www.dsindiana.org/NewsEventsPublications.php
Welcoming a Newborn with Down syndrome: A New Parent's Guide to the First Month   This book offers support and accurate, reliable information to the new parents of a baby with Down syndrome. The book covers topics like breastfeeding, adjusting to a diagnosis, preparing siblings, understanding medical issues, preparing for the future, and, most importantly, it shares diverse stories about the daily lives of families whose children have Down syndrome at different ages.   Click here to download:
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN)
DSDN believes that a strong support system can have a positive impact on parents raising their child.  They have a deep desire to connect and support parents receiving a new Down syndrome diagnosis.  Join them and CONNECT on Facebook!!

*Moms of children with Down syndrome under 3 -- join the private groups of moms entering the DS community at like times.  These birth-club type groups can be an enormous support in those first days, weeks and months of diagnosis.  These groups are available for expectant moms and moms of children under 3


 

Hable Español?  Bienvenidas al grupo de 'Rockin' Moms' en Español. Este grupo es para madres con niños "Rocking su cromosoma extra". Nuestro deseo es que puedas encontrar el apoyo que nosotras ya hemos encontrado en otras madres con hijos de cercana edad. Es un lugar para compartir, ofrecer y/o buscar apoyo. Para poder mantener nuestro enfoque en el apoyo a nuestros hijos, mensajes sobre competencias, distintas formas de recaudar fondo, y/o artículos de este tipo serán eliminados de la página. Este grupo esta enfocado en madres embarazadas que ya tienen diagnostico de Síndrome de Down o aquellas que tienen hijos entre las edades de 0-3 años con Síndrome de Down. 


*Dads of children with Down syndrome under 3 -  join our Rockin' Dads Group!

*Confused? Scared? Anxious? -- Have questions about Down syndrome? Need to ask questions in a non-judgemental format?  We will connect you to someone that will and can answer your questions.  Visit http://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/connections
  for more information.  
DSI to Offer Movin' and Groovin' Dance Class for Youth!
Want to dance and have fun? Sign up for Movin' and Groovin' Today!
Open to Individuals with Down syndrome Ages: 5-18
Dates: October 17, October 24, November 7 and November 14
Time: 5-6 PM (can arrive as early as 4:30)
Cost: Free!
Location: Down Syndrome Indiana, 708 E Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Please RSVP even if you cannot attend all the sessions. We want to make sure enough volunteers are present to make it the best possible experience for all.
For more info email: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
DSI ROCKS!  Down Syndrome Indiana is excited to announce a new awareness outreach that we will be introducing at Buddy Walk® Indianapolis this year. DSI volunteers will place painted rocks along the walking route the morning of the walk for our participants to find.

If you find a rock please:
1.Take a picture with your rock (We'd love to see you and your teams!)

2.Post your picture on our Facebook page "DSI ROCKS" and share with us what county/city you will be re-hiding it in. The link to the DSI ROCKS page: https://www.facebook.com/DSIROCKS/

3.Take the rock back to your hometowns and re-hide for someone else to find. *Please be aware that some parks/locations have asked the public not to hide painted rocks at their locations.
 
Our goal is to disperse them throughout all the counties we serve, and the state of Indiana starting in the Month of October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and reach all 44 counties by World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2018!   Please LIKE the DSI ROCKS Facebook page to follow our journey in spreading awareness for Down syndrome one rock at a time.

We are still busy painting rocks in preparation for Buddy Walk® Indianapolis.
If you would like to volunteer to paint rocks please contact [email protected]
Please Join us on Saturday October 14th at White River State Park's Celebration Plaza for Down Syndrome Indiana's largest fundraiser and awareness event of the year!  Join us in our 20th year celebration!!!

Early Bird Registration and Team Packet Pickup:
Drop off donations and pick up t-shirts for every $50 donated before walk day! 
Each individual with Down Syndrome receives one complimentary T-shirt.   
October 9th -12th between the hours of 8:30am-2:30pm at Down Syndrome Indiana office located in The Sol Center, 708 E Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN  46202. 
  ***Thursday October 12th Packet Pick Up until 7:00pm

Why attend Buddy Walk early registration?
Team captains, or one team member can join us to turn in offline donations and pick up t-shirts for team members who will be participating in the Buddy Walk®. Remember, participants can earn a Buddy Walk® 2017 shirt for every $50 raised. Then enjoy a worry free Buddy Walk® with friends and family, without having to wait in line!  

Team awards are based off funds raised by 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 12th and will be announced at the walk.
 
Buddy Walk ® Video:
If you have not been a part of Buddy Walk ® before check out this video to see what kind of fun you are in for!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8L8YHSzyCMyRzFuOUlqWnFhR0k/view?usp=sharing
 

To register to walk or start a team for this year's Buddy Walk® Indianapolis please go to: http://downsyndromeindiana.donordrive.com/indy
#DSIbuddywalk #buddywalkindy 
We are just over the half way point but still need your help in reaching our goal!   Buddy Walk® Indianapolis is DSI's largest fundraising event. As a direct result of event sponsorships, team fundraising and generous public donations, Down Syndrome Indiana is able to continue providing new parent packets, educational resources, informational programs, research conference for parents and professionals, medical outreach presentations, parent support networks, hospital care packages, and social events for individuals with Down syndrome.
Please join us in enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by signing up to walk or donating today at: https://downsyndromeindiana.donordrive.com/event/indy
David DeSanctis to Kick-Off Buddy Walk® this Year!
David's Bio: Born with Down syndrome, 25-year-old David DeSanctis is very bright, communicative, and aware of his disability. A Ballard High School alum, a graduate of the University of Louisville/Jefferson County Public Schools P.A.C.T. program (Providing Access to Community Transition), and graduated in May 2 years ago from College Connections, a Jefferson Community and Technical College program. He is active with Down Syndrome of Louisville, Special Olympics, Louisville Adaptive Rowing, Angels in Disguise, and Best Buddies.

David had the opportunity of a lifetime to generate awareness and understanding when he was cast as "Produce," a lead role in the movie, Where Hope Grows. Released in 2014, the film focuses on what it means to belong. Produce and the other leading character, Calvin, develop a friendship that gives Calvin's life new meaning and purpose. Through the long hours on the set, David learned a lot while teaching those around him about tolerance, friendship, and acceptance.

Since the movie release, David has traveled extensively to speak to groups and fans about his experience with the movie as well as bigger topics like friendship, achievement, and acceptance. What started out as a personal dream for David has turned into something much bigger as he continues to help create communities where everyone is appreciated.

A special thank you to this year's sponsors of Down Syndrome Indiana's 20th Annual Buddy Walk ®!

Title Sponsor:  Ellis Pediatric Dentistry

Corporate Sponsors:  Montgomery Aviation, Pepsico, Scotty's Brewhouse 
and Riley Hospital for Children  

Tent Sponsors:  21 Dreams, Beaty Construction Inc, K1ds Count LLC, Methodist Sports Medicine, Noble, Wallington Asset Management and WestPoint Financial Group




Community Sponsors: 
Advance Repair & Machining Inc, Carmel Pediatrics, CUNNINGHAM Restaurant, Indiana Reclamation & Excavating Inc.,MacAllister's Rentals,Markey's Audio Visual Inc.,Meijer,Net Help 24/7,Party Time Rental,Servant HR,Two Men and a Truck,United Rentals

First Steps Sponsors :
Acuitas Financial Group, Cogent LLC, Ella Mae's Boutique, Fusion Alliance, Hittle Landscaping, Huntington National Bank, IMPG, Midwest Orthotics & Technology Center, Pile cpa's, Precision Comfort Systems,  Randolf County, RNDC Indiana, Silly Safaris Shows Inc.

Awareness Sponsors:
Dealers Wholesale,  Farris Property Group,  Lawn Pride,  Light Bound LLC

Buddy Walk® Day-of Timeline

8:00am           Registration Opens Stop by if you need to register, turn in money, or pick                               up your t-shirts and signs your team has earned

9:00am            Information/Expo Tent opens, sponsored by Westpoint Financial Group
                        Kids Tent opens, sponsored by Noble, activities and face painting

9:30am            Self-Advocate Tent opens, photo booth, meet David DeSanctis and show us                            your moves dance moves! 

10:00am          Welcome and Team Awards, based on funds raised by 7:00 pm on Thursday,                          October 12, 2017

10:15am          David DeSanctis takes the stage

10:30am          Buddy Walk® begins

11:00am          "The Princesses of Courage & Kindness" Show

11:00am          Lunch Tent Opens, sandwiches  sponsored by Scotty's Brewhouse and drinks                           Pepsi Co.   Four Day Ray Brewery will be onsite with their beer truck.

11:30am          Live, Laugh Dance performance

11:30am          Silly Safari performing at the Kids Tent, sponsored by Noble

Noon               Celebrating Accomplishments

12:15pm          Interactive Puppet Show with Max the Moose

12:45pm          A League Dance Party

Directions/Parking
Celebration Plaza is located in White River State Park, very near the WRSP Welcome Center. If you are using GPS, the best address to use is:
 
801 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
 
Parking is available in many locations downtown, though we recommend five cost-effective
Options near the park: 
  1. IUPUI Sports garage
  2. The underground garage at the Indiana State Museum (use the west entrance or back entrance, as there may be construction on the main entrance off of Washington street.)
  3. The lot across from Victory Field
  4. Indianapolis Zoo parking (walk across the White River Bridge to Celebration Plaza
  5. The new parking structure at the National Institute for Fitness and Sports (NIFS)
Why Buddy Walk®?
The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) as an event to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  Nationally, Buddy Walk® is the most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Locally, it is the largest fundraising event for Down Syndrome Indiana, with this year's goal set at $175,000 for corporate and team sponsorships.

The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals:·        
  • To promote acceptance & inclusion of people with Down syndrome       
  • To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs 
  • To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice
Proceeds from the walk fund Down Syndrome Indiana programs and services that help individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  
Click the link to the 2017 Program Guide for Down Syndrome Indiana: http://www.dsindiana.org/files/content/2017_Program%20Guide.pdf 

These programs and services include, but are not limited to:
  • New Parent Information & Resource
  • PacketsEducators' Resources
  • Social Activities
  • Support for Research and Advocacy 
  • Informational and Educational Conferences
Buddy Walk® Indy Route Map:


Day-of Highlights and Tent Map:

DSI/Welcome to Holland Tent:   The Welcome to Holland Tent is back for it's second year!  If you have a new baby with Down syndrome or are new to the Buddy Walk®, be sure to visit this tent to connect with other new families and learn more about the services that Down Syndrome Indiana has to offer! Also get your Skyler's Smile Bag from Skyler Sharing Smiles for your new baby while supplies last!
 
Information Tent:  Don't miss our information tent, filled with lots of exhibitors offering resources for you and your family!

Kids Tent:   Be sure to join in the fun!  We will have face painting, tattoos and crafts.  Silly Safari will be performing at 11:30 am and we will have special visitors roaming the grounds for kids after the walk. 

Self-Advocate Tent:   Calling all DSI Self Advocates! 9:30 your tent opens!  Come get your picture taken in the photo booth, meet David DeSanctis (star of the movie Where Hope Grows), and show us your moves dance moves! 


Down Syndrome Indiana is excited to share our NEW Fundraising Incentive Prizes for this year's 20th Annual Buddy Walk® Indianapolis.  Don't give up keep reaching towards your fundraising goals!!!!!  Reach any of the following fundraising incentive prize levels and choose 1 of the 2 prize options as a Thank you from DSI for all your hard work and dedication to help us reach our Buddy Walk Indianapolis® fundraising goal of $175,000!
  • Raise $250 and choose a DSI Coffee Mug Or DSI Water Mottle
  • Raise $500 and choose a DSI Baseball Cap or DSI Scarf
  • Raise $1000 and choose a DSI 3/4-Sleeve Raglan Shirt or DSI Heavyweight Canvas Tote
  • Raise $2500 and choose a DSI 24-Can Cube Cooler or DSI Stadium Seat
  • Raise $5000 and choose a DSI Fleece Travel Blanket or DSI Lightweight Fleece Hoodie Sweatshirt
  • Raise $7500 and choose a DSI Waterproof Rain Jacket or DSI  Eddie Bauer® Fleece Jacket.
Thank you to our wonderful Self-Advocates who volunteered to model the DSI gear!!

Down Syndrome Indiana reserves the right to substitute prizes of like or equal value at any time if needed. The Fundraising Incentive Prizes are cumulative so participants can earn one prize from each level they have reached. Fundraising Incentive Prizes are based on the funds turned in by each participant (cash, checks, credit card, and online donor drive donations) with a deadline of 10/21/2017 to submit all funds to count toward the Down Syndrome Indiana Fundraising Incentive Program. To redeem prizes, you must email [email protected] before 11/11/2017(4 weeks) after Buddy Walk Indianapolis to place your order. 
 
 
Donate or Register Today!
We currently have 109 teams registered for our 20th Annual Buddy Walk® Thank you to all our teams working so hard to reach our goal of $175,000- keep up the GREAT work and please keep pushing to help us reach the Buddy Walk® goal this year!   Team awards are based on funds raised by 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 12th and will be announced at the walk.

If you have not signed up you team yet it's not too late!

Thank you to all of teams that are signed up! 

#EliSelfies
#iwalkwithisaac
#teamjared
#teamscarlett
14:21=Melanie es un AMOR!!!
A Girlie Girl
Adkins' Family
Andrea Scott Team
Andrew's Designer Genes
Aydens Army
BRAKAYLA & BUDDIES BEAUTIFUL BOW BRIGADE
Bryleigh's Bubbles
Bubba's Buddies
Caleb's Corner
Caleb's Crew
Camillas Crusaders
Catalina Joyce
Chance Tha Man
Cole's Crew
Come Walk with Cameron
Covering Ground with Griffin
Cuenta Congmigo
Django's Dream Team
Eli's Posse
Elle-O-V-E
Emily's Entourage
Emily's Island Amigos
Finn's Fleet
Freddy's Friends
G-Man's Buddies
Gracen's Groupies
Grady's Blessings
Greyson the Great
Handsome Henry's Trekkers
Hank's Tanks (Henry Winscott)
Happy Feet
Harry's Hikers
Hayden's Helpers
Holdan's Heroes
IUPUI MHA Student
Association
IWU SOTA
Jillybean Team
John 10:9 (Landon)
JORDAN'S PIT CREW
Justyn's J-Walker's
Kaci
Kaseys Krusaders
Kate's Kuties
Katie's Crew
Katrin's Krew
Kelster's Krew
Ky's smiles
La Vecindad del Abel!
Lillie's Team
Lily B.
Little Monkey
LL Cool J
Lovin' Lily
Luke's Sky-WALKERS
Mallory's Minions
Miles For Myles
Mini B
Miracle baby
Noah's Ark Buddies
Norah's Village
Ollie's Entourage
Prayers for Lettie
Prince Evan's Buddies
Princess Kaylee Christine Miller
Reese's Pieces
Ricky's Walking Warriors
Roper's Research Colony

Smile
Sophie's Tutu Cuties
Stella's Sole Mates
Stephen's Super Squad
superheroes
Team Amundson
Team bELIeve
Team Caitlin! Pickles' Posse
Team Cohen
Team Connor John
Team Edward
Team Fenton
Team Finn
Team G Fource
Team Jonny
Team Lexi-Tude
Team Lindsinator
Team Lucy Kate
Team Millie Grace
Team Nick
Team Rush
Team Sylvia
Team Teagan
Team Tiny Tyrant
Team Wells
Tessa Toodles
The 21 DreamS Team
The Fun Bunch
The Mac Pac
Tough Cookies
Tyler's Team
Tyler's Tribe
Walkin' 4 Dalton
Walking with Faythe
Wallington Asset Management Team
We Walk With Arlow
Will's Walkers

Free All Ages Tennis Lessons Tennis All Stars!
Down Syndrome Indiana and Park Tudor Fall Tennis Begins! Free tennis lessons by the Park Tudor Girls Tennis Team.  Located @ Park Tudor Tennis Courts, 7200 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240.  4PM to 5PM on Sundays through October 29th.  No reservation necessary. Park Tudor supplies everything: tennis rackets, balls, courts, water bottles. All ages and abilities welcome to come have fun! Great for siblings and friends to attend as well. 
Community Group Happenings

October 10 - DSI D.A.D.S. Monthly Meeting Tonight!
The DSI chapter of Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome will be meeting Tuesday, October 10th, at 6:30 PM at Squealer's Barbecue and Grill, 5899 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.  Find more info about Squealer's at http://www.squealersbarbeque.com/.   DSI D.A.D.S. will pick up the check for your meal and the soft drinks. (Alcoholic drinks are available but you pay for those on your own.)   For more info e-mail [email protected].  Also visit D.A.D.S National on the web at: www.dadsnational.org

October 21 - DSI D.A.D.S. Annual Hayride and Fall Family Fun Day 
We invite all families to join us for a warm fire, good food and fellowship at Spencer's U-Pick Farm in Noblesville, IN.  For those who have attended in the past, you can expect the same fun events for the kids (bounce-house, pumpkin decorating, games and of course, S'MORES.) For those of you who have not been able to attend in the past, we hope you will join us this year. The only thing you'll need to bring is an appetite, your favorite warm wool sweater, chairs or picnic blanket and maybe a camera to capture some fun family moments. 
 
Saturday, October 21st, 2017, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. 
Location:  Spencer's U-Pick Farm, 7177 E. 161st St., Noblesville, IN 46062-6945.  

This event is totally FREE, but we want to make sure we have enough supplies for everyone, so please let us know you're coming!  RSVP to email: [email protected] or call: (317) 925-7617. 

Map to Spencer's U-Pick Farm: http://mapq.st/2w4zURr 



October 23 - Visit Nancy Noel's Farm
Local artist Nancy Noel of Zionsville has invited Down Syndrome Indiana families back to experience life on her farm!    Nancy has llamas, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, and roosters!  Come interact with the animals and bring your own picnic dinner.   The farm is located at 6814 W. 96th Street, Zionsville, IN 46077.   This event will take place on Monday, October 23rd from 5pm - 7pm.  Feel free to bring a picnic dinner.  New this year, Nancy has a therapy horse that we can ride!  Space is limited, so please RSVP to [email protected] .  Be sure to include the number of people attending!

October 29 - DSI Self Advocate Halloween Party with the Sunshine Society
Join the DSI Self Advocates and the Sunshine Society for a Spooktacular Halloween Party on October 29th from 1:30 - 4:30pm at the Sunshine Barn, 4025 East Whitestown Pkwy, Lebanon  IN.    Enjoy an afternoon of music, games, art, costumes, chili, and cider.   RSVP to [email protected] or call 317-925-7617.
yellow-bday-cake.jpg

Happy Birthday!
The following people are celebrating birthdays this week: 

Mia A, Brenda W, Carolyn T and Cicely B

Congratulations from the DSI staff!   
In This Issue
Save the Date!
There are many important and exciting events in the coming year and we hope that you all mark your calendars and join us!  
  • October 14, 2017 - Buddy Walk® Indianapolis, White River State Park
  • October 21, 2017 - DSI D.A.D.S. Hayride at Spencer's U-Pick
  • December 1, 2017 - DSI Holiday Dance  
  • February 24, 2018- DSI First Call Training 
This newsletter is made possible through the continued generous sponsorship from MassMutual: special care Gordon Homes Financial Planner for parents with special needs dependents. 317-567-2005  !
 

Keeping Up with Down Syndrome Indiana

Visit us at www.dsindiana.org

 

 

 

Check out events on our Events Calendar.

 

Sign up others to receive E-Newsletters by email [email protected].

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Contact Information

Down Syndrome Indiana

(317) 925-7617