44 teams walk today to help kids with Down Syndrome

BOARDMAN

In his short life, 1-year-old Brayden Koeppen has already risen above his fair share of challenges.

Shortly after his birth, Brayden had difficulty with swallowing and needed a feeding tube. Then he underwent surgery to correct an intestinal problem.

On top of that, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome.

“He is a joy to have,” said Brayden’s father, Brian, who was among those who took part in Saturday’s Buddy Walk of the Valley 2012 at Shops at Boardman Park. “He is the most loving child anyone could have and just a blessing to our family.”

Brian, of Youngstown, was part of Team Brayden, one of 44 teams to participate in the fifth annual event hosted by the Boardman-based Down Syndrome Association of the Valley.

The four-hour gathering and walk is the association’s primary awareness and fundraising campaign. Proceeds benefit DSAV’s Center for Success, which opened in October 2009.

Read more about the event in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.