Watch out... here comes Team Ava!!!

Join us Saturday, October 2 from 10am - 2pm at Hoover High in Fresno for Step Up For Down Syndrome!!!  We want to be the biggest team there!

Joining the team and making a donation are two separate entries on this page.  Click on Join This Team above and click on Sponsor Me Now above or below.

Last year Team Ava raised $5,600 for this event, and we did not even participate due to Ava's poor health.  This year is full of changes!

Ava spent 70+ days over 7 separate hospitalizations from June '09 to February '10, even spending her 1st birthday in the hospital.  This spring and summer she has made so much progress, eating more by mouth, sitting and combat crawling, and weighing in at a whopping 19 pounds!  We've had so much support from family and friends throughout these trying times, and now it's time for us all to come together and celebrate!!!

Down Syndrome Association of Central California (formerly known as Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society) changed the name of this annual fundraising event from Buddy Walk (a nationally recognized event name) to Step Up For Down Syndrome in order to keep all money raised purely local.  The changes are in name only, but the mission is the same; to enhance the quality of life for all people whose lives are touched by Down Syndrome.

Early event registration is $8 and includes a T-shirt if registered before Sept. 15.  Click on Join This Team above.This is a one-mile walk, strollers/wagons welcome!  Vendors will be present selling food throughout the day and there will be several live performances to enjoy.

Whether or not you are able to participate, please donate to Team Ava to show your support and know that your money is helping a very worthy cause.  Click on Sponsor Me Now above or below.  Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

God Bless,

Josh, Sally, Luke, Gianna, & Ava Fernandes