The Chicagoland Buddy Walk is ran by all parents and families of individuals with Down syndrome. Once a year we have a 1-mile walk to support local individuals and groups involved with making a better life in the Down syndrome world. Not only do we have a beautiful walk through the Cantigny grounds, we also have many other family activities to enjoy throughout the day. Please check the Walk Schedule for a list of this years events.

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past sixeen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 expected in 2011 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $11.2 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in 1 out of every 691 live births. It affects people of all ages, races and economic levels and is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. It occurs when there are three, rather than the usual two, copies of chromosome 21 in every cell of the body. Instead of 46 chromosomes, a person with Down syndrome has 47. It is this additional genetic material that alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome. Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States alone. Recent advances in our understanding of Down syndrome have resulted in dramatic improvements in the life span and potential of those who are affected.

National Associations
NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society)
NDSC (National Down Syndrome Congress)
NADS (National Association for Down Syndrome)

Become a hero for just a $1 donation.
We have created these fun colorful donation cards to aid you in your fund-raising. Use them at work, home, anywhere! For just a dollar your donor can fill out their name and honoree. Hang them in the public eye for awareness.
Use them personally or take them to your local business to see if they are willing to help.
Just let us know if you would like some of these cards to help with fund-raising. Send an email to info@chicagolandbuddywalk.org with how many you would like