As you know our gorgeous baby girl (Danielle) was born on March 10th, 2007 and she was diagnosed with Down syndrome on March 11^th. The Tri-Cities has recently established the Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-Columbia and since October is National Down Syndrome Awareness month, the DSAMC is proud to present the first annual Buddy Walk on October 6th. The Buddy Walk is a national fundraiser meant to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome. We hope fundraisers like the Buddy Walk are a means to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome in our very own community.

About the Buddy Walk and DSAMC:

"The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $6.5 million to benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs. These funds enable NDSS and local groups to offer services that support and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down Syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community! "

Money donated will help go toward new parent information packets. This alone will have a huge impact on new parents of children with DS who are (trust me) felling scared, alone and searching for information.

Please come and join us walk with "Team Dani" on October 6^th at 10:00AM at Howard Amon Park. If you can walk with us please email me at  [email protected] to let us know so we can get you registered. You can also sponsor "Team Dani" with a pledge. Please make checks payable to DSAMC (Down Syndrome Association of the Mid Columbia) and just send them to us anytime before October 6th.

Joe and Carrie Nicora
3711 Van Ct.
West Richland, WA 99353

Thank you all so much,
Joe & Carrie

Some photos of Dani, 6 months old now!

personal dani september2007