Saturday, Oct. 1, Forsyth Park was filled with people of all different abilities participating in the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s 11th annual Buddy Walk.
Brian Hussey, co-chair of the Buddy Walk, has been with the event since it first launched in 2006 and has seen it grow to nearly 5,000 participants.
“The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness and to promote inclusion for people with Downs syndrome,” said Hussey.
Tents were set up throughout the park with games, food, and activities as HIS-FM played music over the speakers and participants walked the one-mile loop.
According to Hussey, though the event was attended by families directly affected by Down syndrome, the majority of the crowd was made up of supporters, friends and people in the community who showed up just because they care.
Brianna Hendley, a fourth year special-education major at Georgia Southern University, volunteered as a way to support a student she met while working at Effingham Middle School.
“Down syndrome kids are very special, they’re very loving and very affectionate,” said Hendley. “Down syndrome isn’t a disease, it’s not a disability for them. Even though they’re different, they are still people, just like we are.”
SCAD’s equestrian team, the self-professed cheerleaders of the day, came to show their support and give back to the community. The team stood next to the sidewalk, offering high fives and encouragement to the participants. Fourth-year fashion major Olivia Patsavas from Chicago, Illinois, looks forward to coming to the event every year.
“It’s such a positive thing. It may not seem like we’re doing anything huge, but we’re doing a lot for the families, just by being here and showing support for them,” said Patsavas.
The money raised during the event will go toward educating and supporting families and individuals affected by Down syndrome.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is always looking for volunteers, especially among SCAD students with expertise in technology, photography and design. To learn more or to get involved visit to their website.
In 2016, Amy launched The Coup, District’s ongoing news podcast. She’s a Writing major from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
