By SAMANTHA BREWER
Contributing Writer
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 11, 2011
Over 1,000 walkers making up more than 51 teams all came out to support the 15th Anniversary of the Capital Region Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 2 in Schenectady’s Central Park. The community came together in a large way with the event raising over $38,000. Lisa Connally, the Chairperson of the Buddy Walk Committee, board member of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, and mother to three year old, Coco, stated that the walk “was a day to not only celebrate the acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with Down syndrome, but to also celebrate our community.” This was definitely the common feeling of many individuals found at the Buddy Walk; the support and love in the air was truly remarkable all day long.
Saint Rose itself had two teams together raising just under $1,000. Jennifer Pugh, Professional Development Co-Chair, was the team captain of the Council for Exceptional Children’s team; and Samantha Brewer, Buddy Walk committee member, served as the captain of the “Saint Rose” team formed through Adventure Club, which was also headed by Adventure Club’s president, Tara Parker.
Parker stated “so many people came together for such a fantastic cause and I was honored to be a part of it…Adventure Club was honored to have a part in fundraising and volunteering for this event as well.”
Sophomore at Saint Rose and active member of Adventure Club, Ryan Hapeman said, “I went there because my friend has a brother who has Down syndrome, and I went to support him and raise money for the Down syndrome community. I was glad to see all of the support for the event.”
Parker and Hapeman both shared their appreciation for the event and its positive atmosphere. When initially asked what she thought of the Buddy Walk, Parker’s first statement was, “it was awesome!”
This was the first Buddy Walk in which live musical entertainment was incorporated. It’s safe to say by the reactions from the crowd, that the Buddy Walk committee could not have chosen a better group than The Meishlunday to start this tradition.
Saint Rose sophomore Lesia Gribbin said during their set, “this is the best I’ve ever seen them!”
Gribbin was not the only one who felt this way as the dance floor was covered the whole time with newly made fans. The crowd interaction from The Meishlunday was phenomenal as lead vocalist Stephen Jenkins sang directly to several children and Paul Jenkins even ran away from his piano to dance with the crowd.
Connally was thrilled with the turnout; and speaking on behalf of the DSAHRC, she stated, we were “honored to have two teams of students from The College of St. Rose join us at the walk.
Additionally, another group of students signed up to volunteer throughout the day assisting the committee with tasks like registration, set up, and photography. The Meishlunday performed an amazing set, and was loved by all. We can’t wait to have St. Rose join us next year at the Buddy Walk.”
Many individuals have difficulty relating to those who have different abilities then their own. This day was meant to bring awareness and acceptance to these individuals who exhibit different exceptional qualities.
Graduate student Elizabeth Corey spoke to this effect about her own experiences.
“One of my good childhood friends had a little sister with Down syndrome. I didn’t know it at the time, because I never one time noticed that she was different from me whatsoever. I just knew that I loved Ela — she was pretty, made me laugh, and held my hand when our families sat together at church. It’s over 15 years later and I still don’t see any difference between myself and individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. I know that a lot of people do see major differences and treat that population differently because of their own lack of knowledge, lack of experience, or just plain old fear. That’s why I decided to study special education, and that’s why I’m involved in advocating for individuals with disabilities,” said Corey.
Corey worked as a volunteer at the registration table allowing her to interact with almost every participant that signed up.
“Every single person who came to my table was smiling, happy and motivated. The day was perfect, and I think that the positivity of all the participants is the reason the sun finally came out after a rainy morning,” said Corey.
