New moniker, same mission: The former Tucson Buddy Walk is now the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome (SANDS) Walk for Down Syndrome.
The signature SANDS fundraiser, which seeks to help clients of all ages with Down syndrome and their families live their best lives, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 28 at Mica Mountain High School, 10800 E. Valencia Rd.
“We had the Buddy Walk for 22 years, but people didn’t always realize its purpose, so we gave it a name that is more intuitive and brings clarity to the cause. This event is multi-faceted for clients and their families. It touches on so many different areas relevant to being a person with special needs and being a special needs parent. Sometimes you don’t know what you need until you find it, and you might find it here,” said Chelsea Hansen, executive director for SANDS.
With a goal of $135,000, proceeds from the walk will directly benefit SANDS programming, including the GOLD (Giving Opportunities for Learning and Development) Program.
“GOLD bridges the gap between established services versus what families need. Sometimes insurance doesn’t cover items or services that will work for children, so families can apply for medical, educational, and therapeutic services or equipment — maybe a small play set or swings, or orthotics or specialty glasses — that they might need at home to improve quality of life,” said Hansen.
GOLD grants can also fund a variety of classes, including swimming lessons, which offer speech, occupational and physical therapeutic benefits. Additionally, a nutritional component provides grocery cards and basic assistance to supplement limited incomes for adults with Down syndrome.
Hansen emphasized that SANDS supports clients of all ages, connecting families to education and resources from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood and retirement.
“When new parents get a diagnosis, we want them to know they are not alone. We can provide information for parents and siblings that is safe, current and updated in a respectful manner so they are not on information overload,” said Hansen, whose 14-year old daughter, Rebekah, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth and is now “thriving” in middle school.
Ultimately, Hansen wants parents to realize that SANDS can provide invaluable resources and a large network of supportive parents during this unique journey.
“We tell people that they have a beautiful child that has the potential to do amazing things and congratulate them on their baby. Not everyone hears that when they get the diagnosis. Parents are on an emotional journey as well, and we can help ease that transition,” she said.
