Buddy Walk

Houston Down Syndrome Buddy Walk 2009

Our first ever Buddy Walk! What an emotional day! We had the Richards, Fairwell's, Campbell's, Harris' and the Truax's come and walk with us. They are great friends and we really appreciate their support! We were able to raise $5,000.

I did not expect to get so emotional but as soon as we pulled into the parking garage there was a girl with down syndrome that was walking with her mom smiling and waving and I just lost it!

Ty's Awesome Team!

We walked into the park where the walk is being held and there were all of these volunteers lining the side walk cheering and giving high fives. Ty was eating it up. It was a great welcome but very emotional.

It was so amazing to see all of the volunteers that came out just for our kids and to show their support for this great cause...it brings me to tears just thinking about!

They did a really cool thing where all the kids got tattoos that said "My name is...If I'm lost call...." It was great in theory...Zach had his rubbed off about 2 minutes later! He is such a punk!

Brock

Zach & Ty with their balloon animals.

Our neighbor's The Campbell's are amazing. They came out to support us even though they are dealing with so much stuff. Ben is fighting a battle with cancer right now and is absolutely amazing! They go to Disney World on Tuesday for their "Make a Wish". He has kept such a positive attitude about everything!

Scott & Zach

Spencer & Ty

Spencer, Darby and Makenzie

Zach wanted to go home! He is something else when he makes up his mind that he wants to go home. We had a few melt downs before it even started. The place was packed with people...over 3,300 walkers. It was the biggest that they have ever had. I think they have out grown their space! So, I think Zach might be a little claustrophobic!

The walk started in the Jones plaza and followed along Buffalo Bayou. It was a great day, we could not have asked for better weather!

Makenzie & Ty

Kaitlyn & Susan

Zach thought it was a run.

We were all amazed with his stamina after seeing all of his melt downs just 30 minutes prior!

Volunteers lined the path handing out high fives and yelling encouragement.

The kids had a great time running up the slanted walls and walking on top of the walls.

Robert, Darby, Zach & Makenzie

Makenzie, Zach & Darby

Darby and Kaitlyn

At the end the kids were handed out medals by police and firemen.

Ty really is a winner and a champion to us! We can't imagine our life without that kid!

After the walk, we enjoyed lunch at the Hard Rock.

Some of us enjoyed it more than others.

We had an amazing day and are so grateful for the support that our great friends give to us! They really are amazing! A special thanks to Stacy for taking so many pictures. My camera decided to throw a fit and not work.

We are also so grateful for those that donated to this great cause we couldn't have made it to our goal without them.