DOWN SYNDROME

DOWN SYNDROME

By the numbers

An estimated 1,800 people and 200 volunteers took part in Saturday’s fifth annual Buddy Walk of the Valley Saturday in Boardman to raise money for advocacy and educational programs and support services for those with the disorder and their families. Some facts and figures:

Down syndrome affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S.

An estimated one in 691 births results in a diagnosis.

The Buddy Walk began with 17 walks nationwide in 1995, the year of its inception, and has grown to nearly 250 planned for this year.

In 2011, more than $11.2 million was raised nationally to benefit local programs and services as well as national advocacy and public-awareness initiatives.

Source: Down Syndrome Association of the Valley