Down Syndrome Walk brings families together at Fort Willow

Elizabeth Volpe and her team took important steps in Sunday afternoon’s Down Syndrome Walk at Fort Willow Conservation Area in Springwater Township.

“I had my third child in February, his name is Vince, and we received a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome,” said the Bradford woman. “So we are here to advocate on his behalf and to raise some money for these amazing kiddos.

“And he’s a really special guy.”

The fourth annual Down Syndrome Walk had some 250 registered walkers and a goal of $15,000 — after raising $1,500 from the Rockin’ It With Ruby lemonade stand earlier this year.

Ruby Cordua, 4, was at Sunday’s walk along with mom Ashley and dad Brandon, of Springwater Township.

Funds raised are for Ontario children with Down syndrome. The financial bursaries buy strollers, school supplies, computers, occupational and physical therapy, car seats, high chairs and speech therapy, among other necessities.

The length of Sunday’s walk has special significance as well.

“It is 3.21 kilometres, which represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome,” Volpe said. “Isn’t that clever.”

The Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation states: “Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra genetic material may affect many aspects of an individual’s development including cognition speech/language, motor skills, overall health, as well as physical characteristics.”

Volpe’s team raised just more than $2,300 for Rockin’ It With Ruby under the name Invinceable, to recognize her son, Vince, and she thanked family, friends and co-workers for their generosity.

For more information visit: rockinitwithruby.com.