Walking to raise awareness of the abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome, an estimated 1,000 walkers are expected to trek one mile around Riverview Park Oct. 8.
Isaiah Young, left, and his mother, Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society president Cynthia Young, of St. Elmo, are recruiting walkers for this year's 2011 Buddy Walk to benefit Down syndrome.Registration for the walk begins at 11 a.m. and the walk starts at 11:30. The cost is $5 per walker. Prizes will be awarded to the team with the most walkers, the team that raises the most money, and both the oldest and youngest person present with Down syndrome.
"We try to increase awareness of Down syndrome in the community," said Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society president Cynthia Young, of St. Elmo. "We want to put more information in hospitals about it. We want to give families hope because people with Down syndrome now have the most opportunities. The lifespan for a child with Down syndrome has doubled."
The Buddy Walk, which will take place rain or shine, is the primary fundraiser for the Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society. Pizza will be served after the walk. Participants can also try caramel apples, bounce on inflatables and go to the face painting booth.
Young said a lot has changed for people with Down syndrome. Due to learning intervention, she said people can function well with the condition and go to college, go to work and get married if they so choose.
"Over 90 percent of women carrying a baby with Down syndrome terminate the pregnancy," said Young, an inclusion teacher at Chattanooga Christian School. "That's sad because babies with Down syndrome now have the best chance to succeed. Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville have both started programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities."
Young, who has eight children, has a son Isaiah, 13, who is overcoming adversity despite his Down syndrome diagnosis. Isaiah is enrolled in Chattanooga Christian School and takes classes with other students. He will walk in the Buddy Walk with Team Isaiah.
"I want him to go as far as he can in life," said Young. "One of our inspirations is actor Corky from 'Life Goes On' in the 1980s. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and he has Down syndrome."
After giving birth to Isaiah, Young enrolled in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to take classes, so she could become his special education teacher.
"He sees his older siblings growing up and going to college. He wants to go and he can go now," she said.