Its time for the 8^th Annual Tucson Buddy Walk and we could not be more excited, the walk is on October 25^th, 2009, 2pm-6pm at Reid Park, just three days shy of Mateo’s second birthday. The Buddy Walk is a one mile walk which promotes inclusion, awareness and funding sources.

 The Tucson Buddy Walk raises funds for the Southern Arizona Network for Down syndrome (SANDS www.sandsaz.org), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization created to improve and enrich the lives of those with Down syndrome.

Mateo will be two on October 28th, we can't believe it! He's changed so much in the past year.   His favorite person in the whole world is still his big brother, Diego, he calls him "day -day." He has become such an independent little boy and makes his wants, needs, and complaints known.   He is walking and running now and says several words.  We've been teaching him sign language since birth, he really picked it up around 15 months and his favorite signs are anything that gets him more food, especially ice cream or cookies. He is currently taking a break from physical therapy but still has weekly occupational therapy and does speech therapy about twice a month, which may sound rigorous, but its more play than therapy and early intervention is very important! He also started Aqua Therapy at TMC, which he loves.  He enjoys his "Movers and Shakers" class through parks and rec and loves story time at the library.