43
2,000 walk to raise $100K for Down syndrome
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
Within the last year, 10-year-old Curtis Herman has learned to ride a bicycle with no training wheels – something that may not seem like a big deal until you look at the whole picture, his mother proudly recalled.
“He’s a pretty independent little kid and can do a lot that his typical peers can do, but just a little slower,” Heidi Herman of Lake Milton said, referring to her son, who has Down syndrome.
Curtis’ top passions and interests include watching movies, dancing, socializing, riding horses and playing baseball, Heidi added.
Mother and son also were among an estimated 2,000 people of all ages who took part in Saturday’s 2015 Buddy Walk of the Valley at Shops at Boardman Park.
The Boardman-based nonprofit Down Syndrome Association of the Valley hosted the eighth annual fundraiser, which seeks to promote acceptance toward and inclusivity of those in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania with the condition.
Saturday’s nearly 1-mile walk around the Shops’ perimeter raised more than $100,000, which far exceeded the $75,000 goal, noted Michele Jones, DSAV’s president and co-founder.
More than 90 percent of the money will go toward grants, programs and events on behalf of the agency, which is dedicated to providing those with Down syndrome and their families the resources needed to live productive lives, Jones explained. The walk has brought in more than $675,000 since it got underway in 2008, she added.
Heidi said that her son’s favorite day of the year, next to Christmas, is the Buddy Walk. Both were among the estimated 30 walkers who made up “Curtis’s Circle of Friends,” one of about 44 registered teams in the walk.
Curtis and other walkers with Down syndrome received medals and gift bags for their participation.
Other teams included “Walkin’ for Wesley,” “Sam I Am,” “Cruisin for Christian,” “Team Gabby,” “Steven’s Soldiers,” “Addi’s Advocates,” “Noah’s Net” and “Lovin’ Lauren.”
Also part of the festivities were about 15 family members and friends in “Team Dante,” named after 13-year-old Dante Centofanti of Boardman.
“He loves any sport you can think of. He also loves anything that has to do with family,” said Dante’s mother, Karen Centofanti, who added that he was on Boardman Center Middle School’s honor roll last school year and began playing drums in the school band.
Dante’s favorite sports include basketball, tennis and boccie, all of which he has taken part in on behalf of Special Olympics, she added.
Karen also stressed that most people with Down syndrome share more similarities than differences with their neurotypical peers.
“I have learned that anyone with any disability is first and foremost a human being with the same cares and concerns we have,” Karen said, adding that she hopes more people will become aware of DSAV’s offerings.
Heidi Herman, Curtis Herman’s mother, echoed that view and also praised DSAV.
“I’d like to see that the community is more aware of Down syndrome and that these kids can do it with a little extra help,” she said, adding that she encourages Curtis to be as independent as possible.
Other attractions included clowns, a raffle, a dunking booth, music and dancing, mascots and various games for children.