Annual Event Honors Families who have a child with Down syndrome

(COLUMBIA, SC, October 7, 2024)—The Felder family of Lexington is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s Buddy Walk 2024. Buddy Walk is held in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Funds raised through Buddy Walk help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk also supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities.  

Claire Felder is a rising fifth-grade student at Lake Murray Elementary School in Lexington. Reading is her strength academically and also a favorite activity outside the classroom. Whether she is curled up quietly with a book or playing school and reading to her stuffed animals and dolls, Claire has a passion for literacy.
 

Claire’s parents say they feel proud and inspired by their daughter’s journey. Whether it is learning a new subject in school, riding a roller coaster, or exploring a new skill like kayaking, Claire is curious and self-confident. 

The Felder family has participated in the Columbia Buddy Walk for several years. Meredith Felder, Claire’s mother says “We participate in the Buddy Walk because it’s a chance for Claire and those with Down syndrome to be celebrated while raising money for Family Connection. We have been utilizing the resources since Claire was born and the knowledge we have gained has empowered us on this journey. Claire is a part of various activities; programs and her academics have flourished thanks to Family Connection. There’s value for ALL people in the Midlands to contribute to this fundraising opportunity.”

Online fundraising for Buddy Walk will open in September and continue throughout the month of October, which is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. On Sunday, October 27th, Family Connection will host the Buddy Walk event at Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Fields. Family-fun activities will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A walk around the athletic fields will begin at 2:00 pm with an awards ceremony immediately following. For registration, sponsorship, and additional event details, or to make a donation to the event, please visit www.familyconnectionsc.org/buddy-walk.   

“We are excited to host Buddy Walk 2024 as a celebration for families, friends, sponsors, and supporters to come together in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month and to help support the mission of Family Connection,” said Amy Holbert, CEO. “Family Connection continues to serve more than 6,000 families each year who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to support our goals of promoting inclusion, equity, and community.” 

Buddy Walk 2024 sponsors include Zingers Fencing, DentaQuest, Dominion Energy, Wellpoint, Bace Financial, Humana Healthy Horizons of South Carolina, R& J Masonry, Down Syndrome Families of the Midlands, Great Southern Homes, Special Olympics, Capital Office Products, Molina Healthcare of SC, Lourie Life & Health, Beyond Early Intervention, Stoudenmire Heating and Air, Midlands Therapy Services, Little Johny, A Mother’s Rest, The Family of Richard B. Perkins, Martin Marietta, Bright Start, Richland Lexington Special Needs and Disabilities Board, HealthLinks Magazine and Ongoing Sponsor: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. For additional event information and vendor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Jacki Garbinsky, Marketing and Events Manager at [email protected].