Buddy Walk 2009

Friends and Family,

A little over four years ago our beautiful little girl, Lucy, was born. Soon after she was born we were told for the first time that she might have Down syndrome. Let’s just say that was a pretty tough first night! The hard thing about hearing that diagnosis is that you have so little information and tons of fear.

Four years later we have tons and tons of information and most of the fear has now been replaced with hope. Hope because we see this girl’s potential. Hope because we know how much love she has to give. Hope because she has blown away all the “experts” expectations. Hope because we know she is perfect just the way she is. Hope because we see the fingerprints of God all over her.

This past year she started preschool here in Mount Vernon. She thrived in her classroom! We wish you could have all been at her Christmas program where she performed so well. Watching her take a bow was just priceless! Her tutor has been making remarkable progress with her as well. She is in the beginning stages of reading some books and has started to learn to count to fifteen.

Her Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is now in what they call clinical remission, which means while on her prescribed drugs they can no longer see any affects of her JRA. This fall they are going to start working on getting her off of all medication. You should see her run, jump, and dance in ways we only prayed we get to see a year ago!

Lucy loves that she has a new little brother, Ian. She loves talking to him and playing with him. She is a great big sister to both Ian and Simon. Though you should see the things she does to make Simon mad when she wants to!

Well, that’s an update on Lucy. For all those who have been of any support or have said any prayers for her we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! For more updates go to www.beautifullucy.blogspot.com

Below is the information about this year’s Buddy Walk that goes to support an organization that has been such a support to our family, The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio. If you want to walk with us or donate financially keep reading…

With much love,

Lucy, Simon, Ian, Mandy, and Kevin

Every year the in the fall the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio holds its annual Buddy Walk as it’s major fundraiser and celebration. And yes it is a celebration! In the words of one of Lucy’s walkers last year, “I pulled up to Crew Stadium and tears just came to my eyes.” When asked why she was crying she could only talk about what a beautiful sight it was to see over 3000 people gathered for the simple purpose of celebrating and supporting those with Down syndrome.

This year’s Buddy Walk will be held at Crew Stadium in Columbus Ohio on Sunday September 13th. Registration starts at 9 AM and the walk will start at 10 AM. There will be entertainment and activities and our team will have a tent where we can tailgate (i.e. sit around, talk, and eat.) One of the highlights is when we walk around the stadium as Lucy leads us.

If you want to join our team and walk with us all you need to do is register by September 13th. If you sign up by August 22nd you get a shirt with our team name on the back (that is if we get 24 walkers). If you just want a guaranteed shirt, without our team name on the back, the registration deadline is August 29th. If you aren’t worried about t-shirts or even walking and just want to donate some money to the cause you can do so any time before September 13th.

Individual Walker- $15 (includes 1 shirt)
Family - $25 (includes 2 shirts)
Extra shirts can be ordered for $10.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call us (740-392-3197) or email us (peterkevinson@yahoo.com) at any time.

Lucy’s team name is “We Love Lucy!”
Buddy Walk Website: www.columbusbuddywalk.org
Lucy’s Team Website: http://buddywalk.kintera.org/dsaco/welovelucy
(You can go through either of the above to register or donate)