DSAG Buddy Walk 2009 Knoxville, Tennessee

The Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee (DSAG), a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization, is a parent-initiated organization developed to provide information and support to families of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and to raise awareness within the community about the abilities of individuals with DS and the benefits of their inclusion into society.

DSAG works to educate and link individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and professionals by: * Educating individuals and families about available resources and programs * Hosting conferences on information pertinent to Down syndrome * Organizing socials in order for individuals and families to network * Providing Down Comfort Gifts with information to new parents * Publishing our newsletter and providing other pertinent information and support

DSAG serves the following counties in East Tennessee:
Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn*, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Union * The Buddy Walk® was established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. * The Buddy Walk® has three primary goals: o To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome; o To raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and o To enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice. * The Buddy Walk® has grown from 17 to more than 275 in 2008 across the country and around the world. * At least 250,000 people are expected to participate in more than 280 Buddy Walk® events this year. * Since 1995, more than 2,000,000 people have participated in the Buddy Walk® program. * Last year alone, the Buddy Walk® raised more than $10.5 million to benefit local programs and services, as well as national education, research and advocacy initiatives. * The Buddy Walk® program is supported at the national level by the National Down Syndrome Society. Local Buddy Walk® events are organized by NDSS Affiliates, parent support groups, schools, and other interested organizations and individuals. * Most Buddy Walk® events take place from September through November to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. * John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox in the hit NBC show "Scrubs," is the 2009 National Buddy Walk® Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max who has Down syndrome. * Anyone who wants to support acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome can participate in the Buddy Walk®. * The Buddy Walk® name, logo and program are trademark properties of the National Down Syndrome Society, and can only be used with the express written consent of NDSS.

To find a local Buddy Walk® in your community, visit the "Find a Walk" section of http://www.buddywalk.org.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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• DSAG
• Knoxville
• Tennessee
• Buddy
• Walk
• East
• Childrens
• Hospital
• WBIR