Thank you for visiting the  "Team Ella:  Attitude is Everything" fundraising page!

It's our 1st Buddy Walk ever and we'd like you to walk with us.

Join us at the Miwaukee County Zoo, Sunday, September 28th for an afternoon of food, silent auctions, raffles, and of course, us!  We'd love for you to walk as a part of our team.

To join our team, simply click on our Team Name link located in the upper right corner of this page, or you can visit www.firstgiving.com/dsaw

Why is the Buddy Walk important to us?

Gabriella Celestine Marz was born October 25, 2006 with Mosaic Down syndrome (http://www.ds-health.com/mosaic.htm)  At 2 days old, she underwent surgery to repair the blockage in her small intestine (duodenal stenosis).  Today, Ella is a beautiful, healthy, active-did I say active!!! little girl who leaves no stone unturned.  Ella has a fantastic smile that can light up a room and fill your heart with joy.  It is a rare moment when she isn't flashing that smile at someone. 

The Walk raises awareness of people with Down syndrome and helps to support hopes, dreams and opportunities .  Funds raised help the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) provide programs and resources that will directly benefit Ella.  Some examples are scholarships to help pay for special therapies (aqua, music, etc) and workshops to help us to be better parents.  DSAW also continues to help network us with people who are walking the same walk everyday.

But why walk?  The answer is simple:  it will be so empowering to see, in one place at one time, people coming together for the sole purpose of showing support of individuals with Down syndrome. 

If you can't walk in person, join us for a virtual walk by donating online.

Donating through this website is as easy as  1-2-3.  You can make your tax deductible donation online, or if you would prefer, you can send your contribution to us. (Make checks payable to DSAW)  Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! To sponsor us simply press the "Sponsor Us Now" button.

With your support and involvement, our goals of acceptance, inclusion and empowerment will become a reality!  Many thanks for your support -- and PLEASE don't forget to forward this to anyone else who you think might want to donate and/or register to walk as part of our Team.    

Love, The Marz Family

PS:  For more inspiration and reasons to walk, check out this 3 minute clip titled "Dreams" created by the NDSS (get the Kleenex handy!):  http://tinyurl.com/5z9tc9

PSS:  For more about the Buddy Walk visit:   http://www.dsaw.org/getinvolved/buddy-walk/default.asp