True North: A family magazine for Bend and Central Oregon.

The First Annual Buddy Walk: CODSN Takes Their Mission to the Next Level

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and on Saturday, October 4th, the Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network (CODSN) is hosting the first annual Central Oregon Buddy Walk at the Old Mill District. The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society with the intention of promoting awareness, acceptance, and the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.

While many in our community are aware of Down syndrome, few really understand it and how it affects the individuals who have it or the families that love them. This is exactly why Amanda Hamer and Dianna Hansen co-created the Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network. As mothers of girls born just eight days apart, Amanda and Diana were faced with the unexpected and unknown when their daughters were diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth.

Photo by whippersnappers studio

With little and outdated information and no local support network to turn to, Diana and Amanda conducted their own research and formed a relationship that would change not only their lives, but the lives of those they would meet and support later. In 2004, the Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network was formed, starting off with only three families. Today, CODSN supports many families throughout the region and their children with the mission of creating a nurturing, loving, and inclusive community that celebrates every person with Down syndrome. The 1st Annual Buddy Walk is a perfect opportunity for our community to come together, get informed, and show support for the amazing children and individuals in our community who have Down syndrome. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the walk, pre-registration will be available at Fleet Feet, or by calling (541) 548-8559, or e-mail CODSN1@yahoo.com. Registration the day of the walk will begin at 10 am with the walk commencing at 11 am.

Here are just a few of the remarkable individuals you will be supporting when you join CODSN and True North at the walk:

Victoria Catherine-ann Hansen

I am a sweet, loving, but strong willed and independent little girl. I love the outdoors, music, dancing, dress up, and movies. I have two older brothers that adore me (most of the time). I attend a full time pre-school with plans for finishing high school and going onto college. I will be as much and do as much as I want in life because nobody expects anything less of me. I am Victoria Catherine-ann!

Abigayle Arwen Hayne Hamer

Abi is a typical child in every way, with developmental delays in some areas. She loves music and can often be found listening to music, singing, dancing, and playing her ukulele. Abi and her Uncle Dan have already begun writing a song! Abi also enjoys helping with chores around the house, playing with her younger sister, and being with her friends.

Benjamin Finestone

Joy, Spirit, Love. When you meet Benjamin, you see firsthand what those words mean. His abilities, smile, and sense of humor have shown us all how extraordinary and wonderful it can be to be "1 in 800.” Despite the undeniable challenges and frustrations, Benjamin has shown everyone he meets, including his parents, that he's really not so different after all. He is now six years old and is very excited to begin his elementary years in Bend. Benjamin has an older brother, Jordan who is 17, and a dog, Flash. All of us have enjoyed watching Ben grow up, and all of us have been amazed at what he's taught us.

Visit www.codsn.org to find out more about CODSN.

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is:

A genetic condition that occurs in approximately 1 in every 733 live births.
Affects people of all ages, races, and economic levels.
Is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality.

Down syndrome occurs when there are three, rather than two, number 21 chromosomes present in every cell of the body. Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, a person with Down syndrome has 47.