Dear Family & Friends:
Next Sunday, October 7th we will be walking in the 10th Annual Buddy Walk for Down syndrome. This will be our 2nd walk to help raise awareness and money to fund the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAM). DSAM is a non-profit organization and their mission is to provide information, resources and to support individuals with Down syndrome their families and their communities. They provide outreach support and services and seek to ensure that all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information about DSAM or Down syndrome, please go to www.dsamn.org.
Some updates since last year’s walk:
· Nolan started crawling, climbing up stairs, and could easily be walking by this year’s Buddy Walk.
· Nolan recognizes and uses some basic words using sign language.
· Nolan has been very healthy – (excluding the last 2 weeks).
· Nolan started going to daycare at Hopkins Early Learning Center. Tough start, but we’ve seen great progress and all the teachers love him.
· Nolan means the world to our family – but that’s not new.
· Rochelle applied for, interviewed for, and was elected to the Board of Directors of DSAM.
· The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) began a national awareness campaign for Down syndrome, “We’re More Alike Than Different” and NDSC including DSAM are raising funds to promote positive facts about people with Down syndrome and hopefully eliminate the notion that people like Nolan are without value.
The Buddy Walk is DSAM’s primary fundraising event, and for all the good things that DSAM is working on, we’re putting on our walking shoes and asking for your donation. We hope that you will consider sponsoring us as we join the Buddy Walk in October. Together we can make a difference. We are extremely grateful for whatever amount you can give - no amount is too small!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so directly through this site, it is simple, fast and totally secure. If you are uncomfortable donating online, please feel free to send your donation made payable to DSAM to our home. Donations are tax deductible. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask us or you can also go to www.dsamn.org for more information.
Lastly, PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY ALSO LIKE TO HELP! Our whole family extends heartfelt thanks for your support. If you would like to join us at the walk, please let us know ASAP – and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.
Dan and Rochelle Hilson
RDHilson@aol.com
www.firstgiving.com/nolan2