Family Connection of South Carolina to host 6th Annual Buddy Walk

Individuals with Down syndrome, their family, friends and community supporters will walk together Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at The Anderson University Campus during the 6th annual Buddy Walk, organized by Family Connection. Registration will be at 1:00 PM. There will be clowns, music, face paint, pony rides, inflatables, reptilian encounters and karate.

The Buddy Walk is a less than one-mile walk in which anyone can participate. Family Connection hosts the Buddy Walk to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome, as well as to raise awareness about Down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome participating in the Buddy Walk are ''special buddies'' and their friends and family are encouraged to form teams and show their support by walking with their special buddy. Funds raised support families of individuals with Down syndrome, local support groups and help research efforts by the National Down Syndrome Society.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition occurring in one in every 800 to 1,000 live births.

''Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States today,'' said Andy Pope, executive director of Family Connection. ''The Buddy Walk is a wonderful opportunity to educate the community, celebrate accomplishments and demonstrate hope for the future for all individuals with Down syndrome.''

Family Connection is a support network for families who have children with special needs. Founded by parents and professionals in 1990, this statewide, nonprofit organization helps thousands of children in South Carolina reach their potential by providing parent-to-parent connections, linking families to community resources and sponsoring educational and support programs. For more information about Family Connection, visit www.familyconnectionSC.org.