Buddy Walk 2011

This weekend was our Buddy Walk for Down syndrome.  It is always the first weekend in October.  I have to say that this one was the best yet!  I'm not sure how much DSANI (Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana) raised or how many walkers there were in total, but to me it looked like the best year yet.  When I hear those amounts, I'll post them.

Our team, Keegan's Warriors, came in third place overall.  This is a testament to how much support Keegan has from family, friends, and even our community.  We raised over $2500 and had 33 walkers.  For the first time ever, we had t-shirts made with Keegan's picture on them.  They said, "Just call me Big Daddy...."  He always insists we call him that and we thought it would be hilarious to have on the shirts.  We also had mini light sabers for everyone since we were Keegan's Warriors and also b/c he LOVES Star Wars.  We had a blast and this year we also had some Taylor University students and their parents with us.  Most of these students had never even met Keegan, but came b/c one of their friends, Christina, interned at my workplace this summer.  She invited them and they said yes!  How awesome!!  They were lovely young ladies who all happen to be elementary education majors, some with a special education focus.  I can only hope that this experience helped enlighten them as they go on to teach children with special needs.  I was able to share good information about Down syndrome with them and they were able to have fun with Keegan. 

I can't wait to see how much more we can do next year.  Many thanks to some local companies and their employess:  Dow Corning, C&A Tool Engineering, Bollhoff Rivnut, and ABC Embroidery.  ABC Embroidery made our shirts and then gave us a huge discount when we went to pay for them.  The kindness of others is astounding sometimes.  If I left any companies out, I apologize.  Please know that you have my heartfelt thanks. 

The picture above is the one we used on his shirts.  He is such a handsome young man.  My funny story from Sat. is that I wore a hat and Keegan told me I couldn't because it would embarrass him.  I asked why it would embarrass him and he said because I would look like a weirdo.  Yes, my life is pretty normal.  :-)  The little turkey..............