Thanks to all our supporters and donors for the Best Buddies Friendship walk. Here is the link to the slideshow reflecting on the last eight weeks. Hope you enjoy!

http://youtu.be/lNHbyBKB5L4

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Everyone walks their own journey in life. For Dan and me, we were blessed to discover a different beauty to life in raising a son with Down Syndrome.

As his mother, the things I want most for him are to receive a good education, and to make meaningful, lasting friendships.

This is why I am passionate about the mission of Best Buddies -a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

I invite all to come join me and my family on a 5k walk/run and to donate to this great cause. Registration is free and the event will take place at the Washington Monument on the Mall in Washington DC on October 17, 2015. Unfortunately some of Best Buddies' biggest sponsors have stepped out of their support this year, which makes our fundraising much more important. All the proceeds raised for the event will directly benefit the programs and chapters in the Northern Virginia area. My team name is "I'm in!!" -Which represents jumping in with both feet, not looking back and commitment to the cause. Look for our team name when registering. You must donate at least $50 to receive a team t-shirt.

Each week the boys and I will venture on a fundraising activity -from lemonade stands and bake sales, to Chipotle nights and Vineyard Vines promotions. Bring a friend, share the message, enjoy the journey with us!

I hope you join me in our support of William and all those who have some type of mental disability. Each side that participates, and every individual involved in Best Buddies benefits and comes out a better person.

I echo my mother's words when William was born, "I just think William will be carrying us all to heaven."

To donate, register and for more information go here:
http://www.bestbuddiesvirginia.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1134223&lis=0&kntae1134223=B5EB4C9D287143BE96D22D28A70CAB0F&supId=425591610&emaillogid=8472759252

Here is a quick 60 second PSA about Best Buddies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DdrPyCoDoQ

Another great clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMI5Al5_eJg

Everyone walks their own journey in life. For Dan and me, we were blessed to discover a different beauty to life in raising a son with Down Syndrome.

As his mother, the things I want most for him are a good education, and to make meaningful, lasting friendships.

This is why I am passionate about the mission of Best Buddies -a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The money that is raised in this 5k walk/run directly benefits the programs and chapters in Northern Virginia.

To register in this 5k walk/run around the DC Mall is free and I invite all to join me and my family on October 17, 2015.

A "free" t-shirt comes with the donation of at least $50.

I challenge you to join me in our support of William and all those who have some type of mental disability. Each side that participates, and every individual involved in Best Buddies benefits and comes out a better person.

I echo my mother's words when William was born, "I just think William will be carrying us all to heaven." - See more at: http://www.bestbuddiesvirginia.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1134223&lis=0&kntae1134223=B5EB4C9D287143BE96D22D28A70CAB0F#sthash.WJ2bE2YB.dpuf