The Greater Wenatchee Valley Buddy Walk took place on Make a Difference Day, October 28th, 2017, at the pavilion in Walla Walla Point Park. The walk was to increase the support and awareness of Down Syndrome in the Wenatchee Valley.

Amy Garrison, this year’s arranger of the Greater Wenatchee Valley Buddy Walk, explained how it “is close to my heart because I have a 13-year-old son (Stevie) that has Down Syndrome.” Garrison has hosted this event for nine years now and plans on continuing to host it every year on Make a Difference Day. The goal of the Buddy Walk is to raise awareness for Down Syndrome itself as well as the families and individuals in the valley that are impacted by the condition. Garrison said that while they did meet their goal of bringing awareness to the topic it is still an ongoing process.Garrison expressed how they, “want people to see that individuals with Down Syndrome are more like everyone else than different.” This year on Make A Difference Day the Buddy Walk had over 250 people. Next year, Garrison talked about reaching the larger Hispanic population by having translated flyers. She states, “We have several Hispanic families that attend, but I know there are more.  We are hoping to have our brochure translated next year so that we have a Spanish version as well as English.” Garrison shared that the best thing the community could do to show their support for the Buddy Walk is, “get the word out and attend!” Garrison says, “I know there are many families that have a loved one with Down Syndrome that aren’t aware of the walk.”

Make a Difference Day has many things to offer to the valley, the Buddy Walk is a prime example as to what Make a Difference Day is all about. The Buddy walk relies on families and individuals from the valley to make it happen.