STEP UP 4 Down Syndrome Walk is Sept. 29

Don’t miss one of the largest celebrations for people with Down syndrome in Michigan at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Sept. 29.

More than 2,000 families gathered last year at the Palace to participate in the STEP UP 4 Down Syndrome Walk, an event that promotes acceptance and inclusion of all people with Down syndrome.  Not only is this a heartwarming community event, but there are also many fascinating individuals participating in the walk and number of important issues facing the Down syndrome community today. 

The Step UP 4 Down Syndrome has three primary goals:

1. To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome
2. To raise funds locally for education, programs and services for the DSG
3. To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice

The Step UP 4 Down Syndrome walk is an advocacy walk developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

All funds raised at the Step UP 4 Down Syndrome Walk  support scholarships, educational conferences, annual picnic and holiday party, expectant, new parent, grandparent breakfasts, playgroup and education to health care providers.

There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.  Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels.  It is the most commonly occurring genetic disorder.  One of every 691 babies are born with Down syndrome.

Source: Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan, Royal Oak