Manchester Families Volunteer at Buddy Walk

Elijah, Theresa, Jordan, and Amelia Herron, walk along side of Wil Taylor and his dog, Woody, at the 11th Annual Down Syndrome Support Team Buddy Walk on September 27 at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. Photo courtesy of Ivy Herron

Submitted by Lynnelle A. Tans

Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month every October is a family tradition for the Taylor and Herron families. On September 27, both families volunteered at the Down Syndrome Support Team’s 11th Annual Buddy Walk at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. They were two of at least seven Manchester families who participated in the Walk this year.

“Our family has participated in the event for eight years and has been volunteering for four,” said Theresa Herron of Manchester. “It’s amazing how much support comes from all the families, it is a safe place to be.”

The event features a one-mile walk along with children’s activities, a raffle, a silent auction, and pizza. “It’s fun to be at and a great way to support the community,” said Theresa.

Over 800 people attended this year’s walk, which raises funds for enrichment classes, speech and language therapy, and music therapy. The funds also provide resource packets to local hospitals for new families and supports continued research.

The Herrons became involved with DSST’s Buddy Walk after meeting Christie Taylor and her son, Wil, also of Manchester. “Christie has such positive energy and is a phenomenal force for Wil,” said Theresa. “It just makes you want to support this event and people with Down Syndrome.”

Ivy Herron, a special education major at Michigan State University, echoes her mom’s thoughts. “Christie is so actively involved and it rubbed off.” She continues, “Having people like my mom and Christie has exposed me to an accepting community of parents, siblings, and friends of people with Down syndrome. My experiences, including the Buddy Walk, have inspired me to make a career out of serving others.”

Joining the Taylor and Herron families in support of DSST, was Detroit Red Wing forward Luke Glendening. He has volunteered time working with people with Down Syndrome and served as Grand Marshall for the event. Last year, Glendening launched a community initiative, “Gametime with Glendening,” where he hosts a child with Down syndrome and his/her family at every Red Wings home game.

The Taylor and Herron family tradition will continue as planning begins for the 2016 Down Syndrome Support Team Buddy Walk. Ivy hopes to set up a photo booth to photograph families attending the event. With an interest in photography, Ivy states, “From a photography perspective, it is one of my favorite groups to photograph, it’s fun!” For more information about the Down Syndrome Support Team, please visit their website HERE.

Wil Taylor, of Manchester, jams to the music with his guitar, at his eighth Buddy Walk. Photo courtesy of Ivy Herron.

As Grand Marshall of the 11th Annual Down Syndrome Support Team’s Buddy Walk, Detroit Redwing Luke Glendening, kicks off the walk, with a group of children. Photo courtesy of Ivy Herron.

Ivy Herron and Wil Taylor, both of Manchester, take a break from the sights and sounds of the 11th Annual Buddy Walk. Photo courtesy of Ivy Herron.

Wil Taylor gets a lift from his mom, Christie Taylor, as they complete the 1- mile walk at the 11th Annual Down Syndrome Support Team Buddy Walk at Gallup Park. Photo courtesy of Ivy Herron.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.