Specialneeds families
EL CENTRO — Families with loved ones who have Down syndrome completed two laps around Bucklin Park to raise awareness and financial support here on Saturday.
The 14th annual Buddy Walk organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Imperial Valley aimed to inspire and achieve community involvement noted, Mike Castillo of the association. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition in which a person is born with distinct facial features and mild cognitive disability. October, Down syndrome month, sees walks nationwide.
“As more and more people are being detected, we want to include all individuals with special needs in our community,” said Castillo. “What’s beautiful about our event, families spend time after the walk having a picnic and it’s an opportunity for typical socializing, just a family day.”
They expected a crowd of 300, and last year raised $2,000 from registration and merchandise sales that all support the organization. There were eight resource tables distributing information on special-needs individuals and referrals. They continually seek volunteers and support and can be contacted through the association’s Facebook page.
Xochitil Garcia, long time association activist, noted she has a 32-year-old daughter with Down syndrome who is married. “I hope more people come to join us. And by supporting people with disabilities, we become a better community,” said Garcia. “We learn from them and they learn from us.”
Distributing T-shirts to walkers on her team was Marianne Fenley who has four-month-old twins, one with Down syndrome. “I was scared as to what it meant to have a child with Down syndrome, but what it means is our baby is happy, healthy and no different than his brother,” said Fenley. “People with Down syndrome are more like us than different. And I hope my son lives a happy life like everyone else.”
Heading up a team with T-shirt logo, Peanut’s Buddies, were Juan and Jennifer Benito, whose daughter Jana (Peanut), 2 1/2, has Down syndrome. “There are a lot of families in the Valley with special-needs children and their support is especially important to the family,” said Benito. “Hopefully we’ll have more events soon to tie in the community with us.”
Mayor Alex Cardenas remarked the city continues to advocate for special-needs individuals. “This is what our community is all about- inclusion,” said Cardenas. “And today, we officially recognize with a certificate of recognition the, Down Syndrome Association of Imperial Valley.”
Taking photos of her daughter Natalie Ruiz with Captain America and Wonder Woman was Marisa Villa, an association board member for seven years. “I’m so happy the community responded to our invitation,” said Villa. “We want them to know our children and others with Down syndrome merit the right to be a part of the community and we’re just looking for inclusion.”