Our Next Kid With a Cause: Buddy Walk Edition!

Maggie is very excited to introduce everyone to our next Artist Kid(s) with a cause because this has to do with a fundraiser she has personally been involved with for many years! We actually have a whole team (or family) of kids to introduce: Alex, Addie, and Andrew. These power house siblings participate in an important fundraiser every year to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio. Alex, who is eight years old and has Down syndrome, is the star of the team, as this is his NINTH Buddy Walk! His "Team Alex" has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years to benefit the great programming put on by DSACO for the kids and families living with DS.

Maggie and her brother Ethan have participated in several buddy walks with Alex. As a matter of fact, Maggie couldn't yet walk at her first buddy walk, so she rode in a stroller! So, she is very happy to share information about this year's walk, TAKING PLACE TOMORROW, along with highlighting the great work Team Alex is doing.

Alex provided us with this great abstract drawing to celebrate the buddy walk:

Abstract by Alex, age 8

Alex's younger brother, Andrew, gave us this great untitled work, too!

Untitled by Andrew in Marker

Alex's younger sister, Addie, made a really special drawing to share with everyone and to celebrate the Buddy Walk! She and her mom tell us: "Alex and Addie go to the Columbus Buddy Walk every year to help teach people that individuals with Down syndrome are more like everyone else than they are different. Addie says that the Buddy Walk is important because 'it is something to make money for DSACO' (Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio...the money raised at the walk funds all of the wonderful programming and services that DSACO provides). Addie's favorite thing about the Buddy Walk is getting to play with her cousins there. Addie says that the Buddy Walk is fun, and 'if you have a kid with Down syndrome, or special needs, you can join it.' Addie wants everyone to know that her brother Alex helps her when she is hurt, he likes to play soccer with her, he decided to join her dance class this year, and most importantly, he's a good brother.

"Go Alex" by Addie

We think that's a pretty special piece of artwork from such a supportive little sister! We are lucky to have Alex and we know he appreciates having a great team behind him on Buddy Walk day. We also know for a fact that Alex, Addie, and Andrew's mom, Jen, works tirelessly for months to make their BW team as successful as possible each September. Thus far, Team Alex has raised over five thousand dollars this year alone! They are trying to make it to eight thousand, so if you want to support the team's walk tomorrow, please see THIS LINK! (Just in case it doesn't work correctly, you can also go to www.columbusbuddywalk.org and search for Team Alex!)

Alex, we are so proud of you and your family! Best of luck with the walk. Thanks to you and your siblings for being our newest Artist Kids with a Cause!