2016 Buddy Walk Draws Together Hundreds

By Jennifer L. Warren

FISHKILL – “With visibility comes acceptance.” Elisha Casterlin of Hopewell Junction uttered this phrase, as she took in all the sights, sounds, smells, everything that surrounded her Sunday at the 2016 Buddy Walk. Casterlin was one of many who participated in what has slowly evolved into an extremely popular and integral event, hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley. Held at Dutchess Stadium each year, the “Buddy Walk” both celebrates the joys connected to people with Down Syndrome as well as the critical need to spread awareness and acceptance of it. With her smiling, vibrant five year old son Mason seated next to her, Casterlin could not be more pleased with the day’s happenings.

“I love that we can all be here together as one big family, and that all are truly welcome,” said Casterlin. “It’s wonderful that we are all so visible and connected and all are welcomed; raise your hands and cheer for the Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley!”

That Association (DSAHV) is a family support group that holds a multitude of activities, supporting, promoting and advocating for families with Down Syndrome. Sunday’s Walk included a variety of vendors, games as well as musical entertainment. Year-round DSAHV promotes unity and awareness. Their 2017 calendar includes; a Children’s Ice Cream Party, Movie Night, Teen Dance, Bounce Party, Kids Sports Camps, 100 plus people and growing Dutchess Renegades Baseball outing in July and many other venues. The Annual Walk, like all these other gatherings, serve a distinct, vital purpose.

“Today’s Buddy Walk, which had somewhere between 350 and 500 people and keeps growing every year, is a social event that gets the whole community together with a lot of activities and networking,’ explained John Zinoulis, Treasurer of DSAHV, which he has been involved with for the past 24 years. “All this, while we are having a good time.”

That fun could be spotted out on the infield at Dutchess Stadium. Just prior to the walk, Gabriela Molina of Newburgh could be seen with her seven year old, vibrant son Nicholas as they prepared to take some laps. All smiles, Molina, a bilingual contact person for DSAHV, was full of excitement.

“I’m here today because I want people to know how special and great our kids are; we are so blessed to have them,” said Molina. “I also want the Latin American community to know they are not alone.” Reflecting further, Molina, looking over at her laughing son, added, “Nicholas has made me a better person; he teaches me to appreciate life in a whole new way, from the heart.”

Molina, who is intent on advocating for the Latin American community, wants to reduce the sometimes negative and confining stigmas associated with Down Syndrome. She can be reached at: (845) 764-6603, or you can e-mail her at: gabyamatore1976@hotmail.com to get that support or simply ask questions.

To learn more about DSAHV as well as their large amount of community offerings, log on to their website: www.dsahv.org