CINCINNATI — More than 13,000 people joined the nation’s largest Buddy Walk in Cincinnati on Saturday.
What You Need To Know
- The Buddy Walk raised nearly $750,000 for Down syndrome programs
- More than 13,000 people participated this year
- The Theetge family celebrated their 10th year participating in the Buddy Walk
It’s a tradition that attracts many families from across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana who have a loved one born with Down syndrome.
“This really is the pinnacle event of our year,” said Jim Hudson, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. “It raises about half of our budget which is very important because we don’t receive any government funding. So all the programs and support we provide families throughout the year, the Buddy Walk is a big part of why we can do that.”
Many of the families form teams to raise money for the cause, including the Theetge family. They walked for the 10th year in support of Calvin Theetge, who wasn’t even a year old the first time his family participated.
“They came to us when Calvin was born,” said Derrick Theetge, Calvin’s father. “The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati has supported us and provided those resources which I knew nothing about, which really helped us.”
The Theetge’s walking team is called “Super-C.” This year, they have raised more than $6,775 so far. The total for this year’s walk is $748,479 and counting.
“To walk into Sawyer Point and see 13,000 people all with a similar purpose and just celebrating those who just happened to have Down syndrome is incredibly inspiring,” Hudson said. “It brings tears to my eyes every year.”
