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Buddy Walk draws 1,800 to aid charity
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
In his short life, 1-year-old Brayden Koeppen already has 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.
The agency provides support, resources, advocacy services, education and opportunities for those with Down syndrome and their families, according to its mission statement.
Two families who received plaques and were honored during the morning event were Rod and Laurie McEwan, whose daughter, Shannon McEwan, died last March at age 14, as well as Dale and Roseanne Hershberger, who lost their son, Christopher Hershberger, earlier this year. Both had been diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Koeppen, an employee with ABL Wholesale in Youngstown, said Brayden receives physical therapy to assist with mobility. The youngster is attentive and has become more adept at mimicking others, he said, adding that Brayden continues to overcome many obstacles.
Also part of Team Brayden were Koeppen’s wife, Sara; his father and stepmother, Brian Koeppen Sr. and Peggy Ruzzo; his in-laws, Mark and Tabitha Krul; Sara’s grandmother, Barbara Lauck; and friend Eric Hazlett, who’s Brayden’s godfather.
An estimated 1,800 walkers on teams such as Addi’s Advocates, Audrey’s Angels, Cruisin’ for Christian, Movin’ with Marina and Team Francesca walked close to a mile around the shopping center’s perimeter to raise money and awareness regarding the disorder.
Shortly before the walk, two students were given $1,000 academic scholarships each for their studies that directly impact those with Down syndrome. One was Kaylee Kapalko, a 2012 Canfield High School graduate and National Honor Society member who plans to attend Bowling Green State University to be a special-education teacher.
Kapalko proudly recalled having been part of her school’s Helping Hands class, which allowed her to work with children with special needs.
One of her charges was a seventh-grade boy who was nonverbal after having been diagnosed with severe autism. Kapalko used flashcards and other means to get the boy to better connect with her, something that slowly paid off.
“He started recognizing me more quickly and that made him more comfortable with me and allowed me to help him,” said Kapalko, who came to Saturday’s walk with her family to show support.
“She’s the best daughter you could ask for,” added Kapalko’s mother, Danielle Kapalko.
Also with Kaylee were her father, Dan; her 13-year-old brother, Daniel; and grandparents, Dan and Linda Kapalko of Austintown.
The other $1,000 recipient was Laura McEwan, a 2011 South Range High School graduate majoring in education at the University of Akron.
“Down syndrome affects our community and we want to be there for the community,” said Joe Liguori, manager of the Cortland Walmart store.
Walmart is one of the event’s top corporate sponsors.
In addition, some Walmart associates have children with the disorder, noted Thomas Urena, a manager with Walmart’s Liberty Township location. Urena added that he has taken part in four of the Buddy walk events.
The local event has raised more than $300,000 in the past four years and is one of about 250 such walks to take place this year, said Michele Jones, DSAV’s president.
Funds raised this year will go to DSAV members and be used for family grants and iPad devices, she noted.
“Children with Down syndrome are visual learners and the iPads help with educational purposes,” Jones said, adding that she wished to thank the estimated 200 volunteers for their help.
The Buddy Walk also featured a disc jockey, clowns, prizes and numerous games and activities for children.