Step Up and Walk 2012

On Sunday, our family and friends “Walked with Chloe” at the Step Up and Walk for Down syndrome fundraising event at Lake Monger.  I was so touched by the amazing turn out of loved ones who came to walk with us.  Thank you all so much for the love and support you have shown our family.

Sorry Bec, this is one of the photos you took. (I chose it because I thought I looked pretty good – you would understand :)) If I had photo shop or knew how to use one of those amazing photo apps on my ipad, I would have photoshopped you in!

I am also proud to say that our final total of money raised (including pledges that are yet to come in) is just over $1,600.  This money will go to the Down Syndrome Association of WA who provide support and information to people with Down syndrome and their families.  They also help to raise awareness within the community and their vision is that people with Down syndrome live a life of their choice and make their contribution to the community.

I am blown away by the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated and this included old school friends and even a few readers of my blog whom I have never met.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I remember when I reached the angry phase of my grief after discovering that Chloe had Down syndrome.  I was still pregnant at the time and I remember saying to Andrew that I would never be going to any of those walks or fundraising events.  There was no way.

But I was there.  With bells on.

Once again, I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked to and that was even with my camera hanging around my neck.  I didn’t even remember to get a family photo of the four of us which is a shame!

So you will have to take my word for it – it was a fantastic day.  The kids had a ball getting their faces painted, jumping on the bouncy castle, dancing and eating icecream.  It was also great to catch up with friends I have made within the Down syndrome community and to also meet new families.  The day reminded me once again that Down syndrome is not such a scary thing after all.

The next morning after the walk, I asked Emma if she had seen all the kids who also had Down syndrome like Chloe.  She looked at me and said “No.  Where were they?”

“They were everywhere!” I replied. “Didn’t you see them dancing”.  “No,” she said.  “The only one I saw there with Down syndrome was Chloe”.  I smiled at how my eldest daughter looks at the world.  She definitely stood there and watched a group of kids with Down syndrome dancing.  But to her eyes, they were just kids and that is such a lovely thing.