Brenda Quinones

💛 Meet Sydney 💙

We live in Surprise with our daughter Sydney who is a vibrant, joyful 9 year old with Down Syndrome who brings so much light into our lives. She has an incredible love for music and dance, and it’s truly how she expresses herself. She fills our home with a constant energy and joy. We are incredibly lucky to witness her grow and embrace life like nobody is watching. She is truly one of a kind, and her heart is as big as her smile.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
The Down Syndrome Walk holds a deeply personal meaning for me and my family. It represents more than just a day of raising awareness, it’s a celebration of Sydney and the vibrant community that surrounds us. Walking alongside others who share our journey creates a powerful sense of belonging and solidarity. It’s a time to honor the unique strengths and joys that come with Down syndrome while advocating for greater inclusion and understanding.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
The DS Network’s program and services have been an invaluable source of support for our family. Through these programs, we’ve connected with other families who share similar experiences, creating a strong sense of community and understanding. From workshops to social events, the programs offer guidance and encouragement to better understand Sydney’s unique needs and development.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
My favorite part of the Walk is meeting all of the incredible people who come together for this special event. The sense of community is truly heartwarming.

💛 Meet Kate 💙

My husband and I have 3 wonderful children, William 8, Logan 5 and Kate 3. Kate is our homie with an extra chromie! We are located in Gilbert, AZ. Kate loves to play with her family and friends. She also loves to go to school and her favorite show is Miss Rachael. Kate was 2lbs 1ounce when she was born and was in the NICU for 73 days. We were told that she had many medical issues when I was pregnant with her including needing heart surgery. To our surprise, when she was born, her heart was just fine! Kate is a miracle and we are so blessed to have her.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

It means we get to bring awareness to how special people with Down Syndrome are. It’s a way we get to show our love and support for our loved ones.

  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
    DSNetwork has support groups that you can join. The specific one that I’m a part of is babies born around the same time as Kate. This has been extremely helpful with all the questions that you have raising a child with Down syndrome. Kate was also able to take a swim class this summer through DSNetwork. She loved that!
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
    This will be our first year!

DONATE OR JOIN KATE’S KREW >>>

💛 Meet Daisy 💙

Daisy is a spunky three year old who loves dogs, music and water play, anything water even the bathtub. She lives in Waddell with her mom (Sarah), dad (Rick) and big brother (5 year old Dale). Her brother is her best friend and biggest supporter.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
I love the inclusion this walk provides. Getting out there and showing the community that we are more alike than different and have a wonderful, supportive community.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
The DSNetwork has brought friends and supporters into our lives that we never would have had otherwise. The community it provides is above anything I have ever experienced. I love that there are seasoned families that can help guide us and answer the many many questions that have come up over the past 3 years.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
My favorite part of the walk is seeing the community treat our children like super stars. The smiles, high fives and clapping just warms my heart and makes my daughter feel so loved and special! The celebration afterwards and resources available is a close second.

💛 Meet Jacob & Nathan 💙

Our three boys are Hunter, Jacob, and Nathan. Jacob and Nathan both have Down Syndrome. All three boys are full of energy and smiles. Jacob loves music and Nathan is our heart warrior who is learning the world around him as he is still a newborn.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
The Down Syndrome walk is an opportunity to spread awareness, allow inclusion, bring community together, and an all around fun event! This walk helps advocate for our family and friends who have Down Syndrome and it has been a positive experience.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
The support we have received from the DSNetwork members and community are immeasurable. The amount of knowledge and life experience has given us insight and hope during some of our most challenging times. We love their staff and appreciate their kindness. Jacob and Nathan especially loved music class offered through the DSNetwork.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
Walking in unity with our family and friends and others in the Down Syndrome community to show our gratitude of all the support we have received.

💛 Meet Archer 💙

Archer just turned one on July 31st. He lives in San Tan Valley with mom (Stacy) , dad (Tylor) and sisters (Olivia-9 and Iyla-6). He loves crinkle paper, the empty wipe container, things that he can bang together, pulling hair, licking everything, and stealing your food. He can roll everywhere and recently learned how to clap and wave. When he smiles you can’t help but smile back even when it’s 4am and he’s supposed to be sleeping. He has taught us to slow down and enjoy the little things and to celebrate the milestones no matter how “small” they may seem.
  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
It’s a day where friends and family come together to support and show love to all the individuals with Down syndrome.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
Archer was a birth diagnosis. We were sent home with no resources. Luckily a friend of my cousin told me to look up the DSN for our area.
We attended the walk last year as well as other events throughout the year where we were given endless support and resources we didn’t even know we needed. And we became a part of a community that feels more like one big family.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
Getting our friends and family together to support Archer and all his friends. And just feeling all the love and support from the community.

💛 Meet Sophie Grace 💙

Sophie Grace is 9 years old. She is outgoing and loves to be little miss independent and keep up with her two siblings. She loves playing with our three dogs, and is drawn to babies anytime she sees them. She thrives off of music and dancing. We live in Goodyear, but she has already gotten to travel so much already since her dad lives in Alabama. She has already traveled the entire southern United States, a total of 14 states at nine years old, and she loves it! She has an older brother who is 16 and a younger sister who is 8. She is definitely the shining light of our family!

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
The walk is so important to us, I believe we have participated every year since she was born in 2014. We take pride in advocating for people with Down syndrome, and putting them in the spotlight so more people become more aware of Down Syndrome.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
Since she was born, in 2014
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
Getting to meet other families who have a loved one with Down Syndrome. It’s like another family we got to acquire after having Sophie.

💛 Meet Marcus 💙

We are a family of 5, that consists of 3 sons, and the middle son, is Marcus, which has Down Syndrome. We live in Gilbert. One of our favorite things to do is to play Uno as a family, and Marcus is a champ at it. He seems to win the majority of the time. He mostly enjoys playing the draw 4 card on one of his brothers. Marcus loves to play video games with his brothers and he loves super heroes, specifically the Flash, Batman and Shazam. He is a sophomore at Campo Verde High School, and loves to participate in their United Sound program where he plays the baritone. He also loves to compete in Special Olympics.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
We love being a part of the Down Syndrome Walk every year. The first walk we ever did was before Marcus was born, but we knew he would be born with Down Syndrome. It was a great way to meet other families and enjoy what would become a yearly tradition for our family. He gets to be center stage, and he feels everybody is there for him. He loves walking down and giving everyone high fives.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
DSNetwork has been there for us since before Marcus was born. We were able to speak to other parents and families and understand a little more of what the future looked like raising a child with Down Syndrome. DSNetwork and members of DSNetwork have been so supportive over the years. There are so many services and opportunities for any person and family that is raising a person with Down Syndrome, and DSNetwork is a huge resource of all these different services and opportunities.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
Our favorite part of the walk is seeing Marcus’ smiling face as he walks down the street and high fives as many people as possible. It’s his moment to shine, and seeing all of these people supporting him and acknowledging him, and all of those walking is such a rewarding experience.

💛 Meet Erica 💙

We’re the Castaneda family, based in Glendale, Arizona. Our daughter Erica, who is now 18 and in her senior year of high school, has been the light of our lives. She loves music, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. We’ve been active members of the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona for many years, and it’s been a cornerstone in our journey with Erica.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

The Buddy Walk is more than just an event for us; it’s a celebration of community, acceptance, and the unique qualities that make each individual special. It’s a day when we feel embraced by a community that understands our challenges and celebrates our victories, no matter how small. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone on this journey.

  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?

DS Network has been invaluable to us, providing resources, activities, and a sense of community that we couldn’t find elsewhere. They’ve helped us navigate the educational system, find inclusive activities for Erica, and connected us with other families who share similar experiences. Their support has been a lifeline, especially during transitional phases like Erica entering her senior year.

  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?

Our favorite part of the Buddy Walk is the sense of unity and celebration. Seeing Erica’s face light up as she walks and interacts with the community is priceless. It’s a day filled with love, laughter, and the kind of understanding that only comes from shared experiences.

 

We’re honored that Erica has been selected as an ambassador this year. As she steps into adulthood, we’re excited to see her take on this leadership role within a community that has given us so much. We hope that our participation encourages others to support this incredible organization that has been a pillar of strength for our family.

 

DONATE OR JOIN Erica’s Entourage >>>

 

💛 Meet Ryder 💙

Ryder is 8 years old (in September) and he is in 1st grade. He lives in Scottsdale with Joe (Big brother 9), Andrea (Mom), Joey (Dad) plus Daisy and Luke (our dogs). He loves swimming, camping, school, number blocks and family time. He’s a thrill seeker and never says no to a waterslide or riding a quad/side by side. Most recently he learned that he loves to boogie board.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
It means coming together as a community with friends and family to spread awareness and acceptance. The Down syndrome Walk Arizona means more opportunities and acceptance. This is our favorite and Ryder loves high fiving everyone along the way.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
It provides so many programs for Ryder. Plus, DSNetwork brings the whole community together for many event which allows all of us to talk and help each other grow. I love meeting all of these people!
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
All the high fives Ryder gives while walking down the street.
We hope you will join us in October for the walk and donate to DSNetwork so they can continue to provide many amazing programs for Ryder and all of this friends!

💛 Meet Zoe 💙

We are a family of 3 and our pride and joy is our daughter Zoe who is 4 years old. She loves to explore, play with her ballerina doll, and play with her older cousins.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
The Down Syndrome walk is a time to come together as a family, a community of people who love and appreciate someone with Down syndrome. When a team of family, friends, neighbors, exct. comes out to support that one person, it means so much to the family and reminds us all how loved our children are.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
 It has provided opportunities to get out and have fun as a family from holiday parties, to the Club extra events swim class, children’s museum, events at the park that we might not otherwise get to do.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
I love knowing that our team has gathered together just to support my daughter Zoe. When I stop to think that someone took the time to make a donation, or join our team and show up for Zoe, it’s a good feeling, and I hope our team continues to grow each year.
 
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