Step Up for Down Syndrome

Last weekend was the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk. This is an annual fundraiser for our local Down syndrome association. The walk hosted more than 4,000 participants and raised over $280,0000! In addition to benefiting a very worthy cause, the walk is just fun. Teams set up tents, and friends (either new or old) are never far away.

Claire started out riding in the stroller, but it didn't last long.  Miss independent insisted on walking the entire mile.

Bridget didn't last long.  :)

Halfway through the walk with Mimi and Grandma.

Claire wasn't happy with just walking....running was her speed.  (which is what Darren is signing)

Crossing the finish line

Cousins  :)

Our Team

Thank you so much to everyone who supported Claire, whether in person, by walking virtually, or with a donation!

Save the Date!

It's time for the annual Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  This year it is Sunday Sept 25, and it will once again be held in City Park.  If you check out the slide show from last years walk you will see some familiar faces there!

We'd love for you to walk with us this year.  Our team name is Bear's Buddies again, and I will be sending out an email with registration info soon!  If you get tired of waiting for my email, you can find our team and register through the link above.

31 for 21: Step Up For Down Syndrome Walk

Day 25:  It was a month ago (yep, I'm a procrastinator), that we participated in our first Step Up for Down Syndrome walk.  The walk was held on a beautiful Sunday morning in Denver's City Park.  The Walk had about 3,300 people walking, and raised more than $233,000.  There aren't too many pictures of Claire from the day because her I didn't see her much of the walk.  Her cousin took the stroller, and I didn't see her until we got back to the tent.

Our walk does a tent village, and it made it easy to turn the walk into a full family day.  We brought lunch, and the kids were able to run around in the grass.  I didn't take the time to walk around a look at many of the other tents, and I really wish I had.  It would have been a great way to get ideas for our next walk and just to see some of the other families we knew were at the walk.

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

I am FINALLY getting the walk info posted and emailed to everyone. Below is the email I sent to friends and family.  If you are in the area, we would love to have you walk with us, or support Claire as a virtual walker. We are looking forward to a great day filled with fun, family and friends!

Friends and Family,


This year is our 1st annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk! Please join us for a fun-filled day benefiting a great cause! Mile High Down Syndrome Association (MHDSA) needs our help to promote acceptance of all people with Down syndrome and raise much needed funds for their vital programs.  All of the funds raised from this event stay right here in Colorado!

The Step Up Walk will be held Sunday, September 26 at City Park, Denver.  The days activities start bright and early (7 am!) with a pancake breakfast, followed by the walk and entertainment.  There will be face painting, games and a band throughout the morning.  Bear's Buddies will have a team tent set up, and picnic lunch after the walk. We hope you are able to join us a for a day of fun!  We have been inspired and blessed by Claire's extra chromosome, and can't wait to show the world that she is "more alike than different"!

Your involvement in the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk -- by walking with Claire or by sponsoring her -- will make steps for a brighter tomorrow for all individuals with Down syndrome.

Thank you for your support!
Darren, Melissa & Claire