Lake Quannapowitt Is Home Base for 16th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk

This article was provided by Wendy Agudelo

Capping the first full week of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, more than 3,500 people will convene on Lake Quannapowitt this Sunday, October 7, to partake in the 16th Annual MDSC Buddy Walk, celebrating the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts and beyond. 

This year, GLEE star Lauren Potter, known to millions as Becky Jackson, captain of the Cheerios cheerleading squad as well as Nashville-based Ayla Brown, whose 5-piece band, will headline the event, which has called Wakefield its home base for more than 15 years. The centerpiece of the family-friendly event presented by Verizon, is the celebratory three-mile walk around the Lake.  

In the last year alone, the MDSC has led several statewide and national campaigns to positively alter the way Down syndrome has historically been viewed. In February, TIME Magazine published a four-page feature story about prenatal Down syndrome testing, followed closely by the MDSC and Massachusetts residents being featured in WCVB-5’s television news program, Chronicle, highlighting the positive strides that have been made within the Down syndrome community.

Proceeds from the event go directly to support MDSC programs including Parent’s First Call, Advocates in Motion (AIM), Teacher Partnership Network, Educator's Forum, Annual Conference, and Legislative Advocacy efforts, all of which help the MDSC ensure individuals with Down syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives in the community.

To get involved, the public can make a donation, register to walk, create a team, or volunteer at http://mdsc.kintera.org/buddywalk2012. Or visit the MDSC website at www.mdsc.org.