Bergen Buddy Walk

Inspiration for the Buddy Walk of Bergen County

The family of Billy Hourihan attended their first Buddy Walk in 2004 in South
Plainfield, NJ. It was such an inspiring, uplifting and happy experience that
Billy's Grammy said, “We have to have a Buddy Walk closer to home!” And so the
seed of the Bergen Buddy Walk was planted.

We have now finished our 3rd annual Walk! This past year we have established
The Northern New Jersey Down Syndrome Alliance. The NNJDSA is a
community-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting acceptance
and awareness of those with Down syndrome through the Buddy Walk of
Bergen County. We strive to educate, support, and celebrate Down syndrome
with passion and to continue to develop programs and initiatives that will aid us
in reaching our goals.

Billy's Buddies, the outreach program that was developed after our very first
walk, has become a wonderful resource for families of children with DS.
Families have come together for both social and educational events. This
program, developed with the Wyckoff Family YMCA, has provided families a
chance to come together for a family swim, BBQ, as well as a monthly play
group for ages 0 to 6 years old. Workshops have provided parents not only
insight and information but contact with professionals who are connected with
DS on a personal level. Brian Skotko, a physician who has a sister with DS and
who has dedicated his professional energies toward children with cognitive and
development disabilities was warm and fun and gave an intimate portrait of life
with his sister, Kristin. In 2001 he co-authored the national award-winning
book, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome. Other
workshops on estate planning for special needs and supporting siblings of
children with DS were also held. Plans are in process for an integrated pre-
school program for three year olds.

We have provided local hospitals with our resource packet for new parents and
a contact name for support.

Last year, together with our partner, the Wyckoff Family YMCA, we donated
$26,000 to NDSS, $10,000 to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation and
$25,000 to Billy’s Buddies and the Shining Star Express programs at the YMCA.
We also gave $2500 to a local man with Down syndrome who needed major
dental surgery and was without insurance coverage.

This year we hope to continue our mission and hope you will join us.