The 2010 Buddy Walk is approaching and we need your help!  As most of you know, the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa (DSAT) Buddy Walk is a multi-city advocacy walk in which people with Down syndrome invite "buddies" to walk with them (family, friends, teachers, co-workers, etc.).  The goal of the Buddy Walk is to celebrate October, National Down Syndrome Awareness month, and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  We can honestly say that if it was not for DSAT, our family would be lost.  Not only have we established friendships that will last a lifetime, but we have also gained access to critical resources and support for our son Jackson.  DSAT is a wonderful organization, and we feel like it is our turn to help give back to a wonderful cause.  90% of the money raised at the Tulsa Buddy Walk stays in Tulsa.  The other 10% goes to the national level for additional research and support efforts.

 

Just to give you a little background on our story - our son, Jackson, was born premature on 12/21/07 with Down syndrome, congestive heart failure and a variety of other vision, nutrition and digestive challenges.  When he was 3 weeks old he had his first big surgery to put in a feeding tube.  His next big surgery was open-heart surgery on November 18, 2008 (when he was just 11 months old).  It is important for our family to remember the challenges Jackson has faced in his short life so we can rejoice in his progress and accomplishments.  Jackson still has the feeding tube BUT he is now tasting food orally!  It won’t be long before he starts eating!  He may not be walking BUT we have ordered a walker/wheelchair for him, and we know it won’t be long.  Earlier this year, Jackson was not crawling around very much BUT now he is all over the house and even pulling to stand on furniture.  He now wears glasses…..and drum roll……he started SCHOOL on 08/25!  He has been on the waiting list for the Little Light House since he was a month old, and now he gets to go to school where there are teachers and therapists who can provide services that he desperately needs.  As his 3^rd birthday approaches, we remember where we were three years ago and where we are today….. it has been a year of accomplishments for Jackson, and we couldn’t be happier.