This year’s National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) NYC Buddy Walk is just around the corner, and I swear we tried to lay low this year. Really! I didn’t submit Hope’s photo for the Times Square Jumbotron slideshow. I didn’t tell any news outlets that a lovely little girl with Down syndrome had her sights set on NYC (not that they ever picked up the story in previous years, anyway). I emailed a few family members and texted a couple of friends. And now with less than 10 days to spare, I’m finally coming up for air as an incredible summer draws to a close, letting you in on a little secret…
I can’t be trusted to lay low.
Turns out that on this incredible 30th Buddy Walk anniversary, alongside a few other families, we are being invited on stage and we would love you to be a part of our story!
There are a few ways you can do this:
- Join our team and walk with us, either in person or virtually, on Saturday, September 7th. When you click through, select “JOIN TEAM” under Hope’s picture.
- Consider a donation to our team Give Hope a Chance. When you click through, select “DONATE” under Hope’s picture.
- Pop over to Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell* just south of 72nd Street if you’re local (weather forecast is clear with temperatures in the mid 70s!) and check out the inspiring messages and exciting performances before the walk kicks off, including Hope’s new friend, Mia, who will be singing the National Anthem for the second year in a row!
(The following three photo blocks may not display on your device. Click through to see images, if you’d like!)
Our virtual participation in the 2021 Buddy Walk, though Hope’s photo was displayed in person in Times Square:
The first time we attended in person was for the 2022 Buddy Walk, and it was such a thrilling experience:
But the 2023 Buddy Walk came during a very busy season for us—both kiddos started their first years at our local elementary school, and Henry was preparing to walk the runway in New York Fashion Week. We had too many good things happening at once to be able to soak all of them, so thank goodness for pictures!
When Hope was born, I thought NDSS was some mega organization and that all we needed it for were the healthcare guidelines they provided, which honestly was an incredible resource and would have been enough. But after Hope was abused at school in 2020, I learned that NDSS wasn’t just some mega organization for size’s sake; it was an organization with the power to shift Hope’s life and the lives of her friends for the better. I mistakenly believed we’d brought Hope into a more equitable society than we had, and we’ve had our work cut out for us ever since.
Over the years, we’ve benefited from much of what NDSS has to offer, not limited to inclusion practice guidelines for school and efforts toward legislation that directly impact the Down syndrome community. I even became a DS Ambassador, volunteering alongside self-advocates, parents, and siblings who know our loved ones deserve more than they’re being given.
Every time I ask for support like this in a post, email, or text, a deep well that was carved out after NDSS helped us comprehend Hope’s trauma fills back up with love, reminding us that we’re not in this alone. So please, join us in whatever way you can. We hope to see you in September!!
Love,
The Croys
*Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park:
