WLS Participates in Buddy Walk 2025

On September 21, our friend Katie, along with her family and friends, attended the 18^th Annual Buddy Walk that took place at Eastwood Field in Niles.  The event celebrates individuals with Down Syndrome in the community, and raises money for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, which serves individuals across Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.  This year there were around 2,500 participants.

Katie has been attending the event for the last 12 years, give or take a few years.  This year, she was accompanied by two of her best friends, Susan and Laura, who had a blast walking, singing and dancing, and just enjoying the beautiful weather with her!  After the race was over, there was live entertainment from Disney Princesses, music from DJ Jim Loboy, games, and a huge basket raffle.  Katie spotted the perfect Hello Kitty prize in the basket raffle, and she manifested a win by telling everyone within earshot that the prize was hers!  We are happy to report that she did go home with the prize!

When asked what her favorite part of the day was, she enthusiastically answered, “The prizes and the food!!!”  She added, “I loved the dance with Susan, and singing with Anna and Elsa.”

Next year, Susan and Laura would like to try to get a much bigger group from Whole Life to help support the cause, so if you are interested, see one of them!

Article and Video by Laura Kahl