People think that Down syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder, but the truth is that one in every 691 babies born in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common genetic condition. Down syndrome really isn't as rare as you might think. Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome and nearly 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year.

In 1995, the Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society and in 2013, the Buddy Walk was ranked among the top 30 fundraising events nationwide by the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. What's more is that the Buddy Walk ranked number 30 for money raised, number 13 for the number of events and number seven for the number of participants.

2019 is such a special year for the Buddy Walk. 2019 marks the 21st year of the Buddy Walk which is taking place on the 21st day of September and celebrates the 21st chromosome!

The Down Syndrome Information Network of the Southern Tier of New York is hosting its 21st annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, September 21st at Highland Park in Endwell and you're invited to join them to raise awareness about those with Down syndrome who live and work right here in our community.

Registration will be held on the day of the walk beginning at noon. The fee to participate is $5 per person, plus a canned good for CHOW and includes a t-shirt, games for the kids, food, and more!

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