Buddy Walk 2015

The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Last year, Hannah had just been born and was in the NICU! 

This year, we were full force and continued the party at home since she just turned one last week : ) 

Tim did an amazing job making our adorable shirts for Hannah’s Banana Bunch. He designed the shirts, took orders, etc. We sold 125 shirts! The profits went directly to our fundraising efforts to help the Down syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. 

DSAGC are an incredible group in our city that reaches out to individuals and families with assistance and programs from prenatal to adulthood. The Buddy Walk is their biggest fundraiser each year. And Cincinnati has the biggest Buddy Walk in the nation! Around 11,000 people attend in recent years! Again, a great city to have support and advocacy!

We had a great day, followed by a small birthday celebration for Hannah.

Preparing for this day and reflecting on the year always brings me a few tears. Lots of hard work and tenacity. Wonderful family and friends who donated and/or walked with us. I was filled with happiness as we started our few steps of the walk - I was good and held in the tears. 

After opening Hannah’s gifts this afternoon, I thanked everyone for their support the past year... I tried to keep it short, because if I kept talking, I would have lost it : ) 

It’s a great new tradition for our family and I encourage everyone to come walk at least one year with us! It’s a special day.

The PHOTO of the day! Great shot, Papa Kron! The Head Banana!

Cheesin’ with Aunt Stephanie

What a day!

Nora & Daddy

Nora’s Bestie, Ava!

Nora & Her Boys [Kieffer Cousins]

Nora & Grammy Batty

Ahem! Nana saw Teddy Kramer, the Reds Bat Boy! Great call getting a photo with a local celeb, Nana!