💛 Meet Oscar 💙

Oscar is 11 years old and we currently live in Phoenix. He loves ballet, basketball, dogs, horseback riding, traveling and movies. He especially loves the movie “The Secret Life of Pets”.

  • What does Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

The Down syndrome Walk Arizona means opportunities, it means that Oscar gets to be involved in programs that help him lead a happy and fulfilled life. It is so difficult to find programs that whole heartedly include our children. It is so nice to have programs that embrace him and celebrate his achievements, while shaping them into more active members of the community.

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

By providing programs that help shape Oscar’s future.

  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?

I love when the community comes together to show support for our kids and adults with Down syndrome. It is so important that our loved ones are shown that they are celebrated.

I shared Oscar’s story with a group of women entrepreneurs recently and they were surprised that most extracurricular programs are not so open to including children with special needs. They had no idea, as parents themselves, how hard it is to find programs that are offered to our children to help promote their interests. They agreed that this is a part of their own children’s lives that is often taken for granted. They were happy to learn about programs that offer support and inclusion for all children like, The Down to Earth gardening program, The Ballet workshop with Ballet Arizona, and the Swim workshop with Ability 360 last summer. DS Network AZ has several programs that are geared towards helping our children achieve happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. We are excited to support DS Network AZ by participating in this walk and hope you join us too!

 

 Donate or Join Oscar’s Nerds >>>

 

💛Meet Liam W💙

Liam is 7 years old and has a zest for life! He is passionate about music, dance, baseball, soccer, horseback riding, adaptive water sports, and, of course… Youtube videos and fart noises.

  • What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

The Down Syndrome Walk gives families a chance to come together and celebrate our children while raising awareness about Down syndrome in our community.

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

Through Club Xtra, Liam has built friendships, increased his communication, and learned more about the world around him. The Moms’ Night Out Events are always a time to connect, laugh, and relax!

  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?

My favorite part is seeing how much stronger Liam gets each year—we used to need a stroller or wagon, but now he can easily finish the walk himself.

 

DONATE OR JOIN THE LUCKY LIAMS

 

💙 Meet Avraam 💛

My Son Avraam, a 3 year old boy, with a beautiful personality has Down syndrome, never did I know what a beautiful life this is. We are walking for awareness and acceptance for Avraam and every individual with Down syndrome. We are a family of 5 Avraam is the youngest and has the biggest heart he will lift you up on your worst days.

  • What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?

It means equality for everyone, it has been a big impact in our life’s. To be a parent of a boy with Down syndrome this walk is important to us for so many reason but the biggest reason is to show the world we need acceptance.

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

Supports our family by showing us how important our kids with Down’s syndrome are not just to our community but to everyone else. DSNetwork is an amazing organization that I am proud to be a part of.

  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?

To see all the beautiful faces of our kids with Down syndrome.

We love you DSNetwork! 

DONATE OR JOIN AVRAAM WITH EXTRA LOVE

 

   

💙 Meet Liam B 💛

Liam is loving 13 year old boy with Down syndrome and Autism. He loves anything to do with music – playing drums, dancing to all kinds of beats (especially Latin), watching musicals, and most recently karaoke. Liam is fortunate to have lots of family that love, care and support him. 

  • What does the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona mean to you?
    The walk is an amazing opportunity for friends and family to show their support for Liam and the Down syndrome community. It gives our community that we don’t connect with as often to learn about Down syndrome from an awareness perspective.
  • How has DSNetwork’s program and services directly supported your family and loved one with Down syndrome?
    The fitness & exercise programs helps Liam learn the importance of keeping his body fit, healthy and strong. He also loves all the social activities (dances, outings, etc.) to help Liam meet friends and build lasting relationships.
  • What is your favorite part of the Walk?
    Liam loves that all the fans at the parade are cheering him and the other walkers on.

 

Donate or Join Liam’s Love Machine