This year’s 2015 Buddy Walk will be dedicated to the memory of 5-month-old Matthew Parker, a Chattanooga baby who was born with Down syndrome and passed away in September after complications from surgery. CDSS Board members will recognize the Parkers and officially dedicate the walk at 11:45 am this Saturday at AT&T Field. A special announcement that will affect local babies that spend time in the Erlanger NICU will follow. Dozens of people have already signed up to walk on Matthew’s team in his memory.
Organizers said, "The Buddy Walk brings together individuals with Down syndrome and the community that loves and supports them. Join us for an amazing performance by the Trousdale singers, featuring adults who are differently-abled and very talented. Dozens of teams will take a short walk beginning on Power Alley and then return to the baseball diamond for activities, food, and access to resources that are vital to families that include a person with special needs."
Funds raised by the Buddy Walk stay in the greater Chattanooga community to provide services to families in the area. This includes program and camp scholarships, a hardship helper grant for medical costs, educational workshops and multiple networking activities throughout the year.
Schedule of events:
10 a.m. - Gates open
11:15 a.m. - Trousdale Chorus performs
11:45 a.m. - Dedication ceremony with the Parker family and special announcement
11:50 a.m. - Walk begins
For more information, contact: Latricia Milburn at 615-542-4636, ltmilburn@gmail.com, or chattanoogadownsyndromesociety@gmail.com.