July 1st was a day to remember. A dear friend of mine gave birth to her firstborn; a beautiful baby girl with Downs. Little Addie has made amazing progress since her birth and most recently… has even passed her hearing screen. She does need heart surgery, which is scheduled for December, but milestone after milestone she has been truckin along.

The Downs was not know until Addie’s birth and came as a surprise to everyone. Through each trial and new experience, her parents have shown great strength and faithfulness. The past couple months have been an adjustment for them indeed, but they rely on God, and He is good.

They have found several helpful resources along the way and aim to be as prepared as possible for raising a child with Downs. One in particular that they have become actively involved in is the Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association (HADSA). On October 4th the HADSA is hosting it’s third annual Buddy Walk, which is aimed at promoting acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and celebrating October; National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

The goal of HADSA is to to provide education, support and advocacy to those individuals, their friends, families, and professionals in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area that are blessed by Down syndrome. Addie and her family can surly attest to the wonderful job they are doing in meeting their goal, and will be participating in the Buddy Walk. My family is also going to participate in the walk and as support to my friend, her precious child and HADSA, I am helping to raise support as well.

If you are are interested, please visit Addie’s Buddy Walk team site Here.