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NILES -- The rain didn't dampen the spirits or the dedication as thousands of participants gathered Sunday afternoon to show support to those with Down syndrome at the 19th annual Buddy Walk at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood.
Wearing bright purple shirts and holding umbrellas, team members walked around the exterior of the field and complex as cheerleaders and others cheered them on at the Buddy Walk, which is the region's largest Down syndrome advocacy and awareness event.
Debbie Williams, director of operations for the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, said the 2,000 participants walked a half mile around the stadium holding banners and signs, and then walked around the baseball field.
She said proceeds from the event benefit DSAV programs and services.
"This is a fun day for families. We look at it as a celebration of our loved ones with Down syndrome. This is a day for them and their family and friends to come here and celebrate with them," Williams said.
After the walk, 10 to 15 community service organizations set up booths and activities.
Williams said for many early years, the walk was at the Shops at Boardman Park parking lot and then switched nine years ago to the baseball field, which is home to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
Michele Jones, co-founder/president of the Down Syndrome Association of the Valley, said the walk is its largest fundraiser and awareness event.
"The Buddy Walk is a national walk with walks like this across the country. We are proud to host a walk here in the Valley. Today is a day to celebrate our loved ones. It is all about individuals with Down syndrome. Families and friends gather for them,'' Jones said.
Jones said the team was there for her and her husband Ken to support their daughter, Lauren.
The team carried a large banner that said "Lovin Lauren" as they walked around the stadium and field.
Krista Smith of New Middletown said her team has achieved the distinction of having the most registered walkers at 90 to support her son, Wesley Smith, 13.
"We have been taking part in this every year since Wesley was born. There is a sense of community with all the people we have been able to meet through doing this walk. We appreciate the support and get new ideas from people," Smith said.
She said the team is marking its 14th time in the walk.
"Wesley attends Springfield Intermediate School and the support we get from that community is unbelievable. Wesley's friends' families are here helping. We are so lucky to have such a great support system for Wesley,'' Smith said.
Tina Saunders of Austintown said the team "Team LG" was there for her daughter, Liliana Saunders, 5, marking their fifth year
"It is such a great atmosphere here and all the support we receive from the Down Syndrome Association. This is a way for us to be able to give back a little bit for all that they do for us,'' Saunders said.
The team includes 34 members.
She said what is raised from the event means her daughter and others will have access to programs and other children who also have Down syndrome.
"This has given us the opportunity to meet other families and for my daughter to be able to do things such as receive certain therapies because of funding that has been provided to us through the organization," Saunders said.
Jacob and Claire Miller of Girard had a team for their daughter, Millie, 19 months.
Jacob Miller said this is the second year participating with a team of 20.
"Having the community's support really means a lot to us. Those who have helped and supported us have been great. Different things happen in life. It is nice to know that you are not alone," Jacob Miller said.
He said there is a great sense of camaraderie being with so many families.
Jack Trella of Youngstown with the "Cruisin for Christian" Team said there has been a team for 19 years for his son, Christian Trella, 20.
"It's great to see all the teams come together and support Down syndrome and those it helps. It's a great fundraiser. I have a team that includes people from Best Buy who are volunteering," Trella said.
Jones said individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated.
"They are excited for the event. It's almost bigger than a birthday party for them. We celebrate the many accomplishments and achievements that they are able to do," she said
The National Down Syndrome Society founded the Buddy Walk and it became a nationwide event. All proceeds benefit DSAV, which provides resources and programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Jones said the DSAV awards families grants each year that provide families with the latest technology and tools to encourage development and include speech, physical and occupational therapy, medical expenses not covered by insurance and inclusive activities for individuals to participate. DSAV also awards academic scholarships to individuals pursuing post secondary fields of study that directly benefit individuals with Down syndrome.