Utah Buddy Walk 2012

I am so very pleased,

and excited beyond words, 

to announce,

THAT

Jessica T. Photography

is getting involved!

I am an avid believer that people should help where they can.

Whether it be volunteering your time to a good cause, or donating $5 to a charity of one kind or another.

Granted some can do more than others, 

but let's face it... 

It's NOT about how much you do,

It's simply about DOING!

I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to use my talents and give to a good cause.

I was recently approached by the masterminds behind the

Utah Buddy Walk here in Utah,

I was asked to take part in the event and volunteer as a photographer for the event.

I quickly jumped on the band wagon.

In case you're wondering,

The Buddy Walk was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) as a way to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness month and to educate people and promote acceptance of people who have Down syndrome. 

Since it's start, the Buddy Walk has grown to about 300 walks, which take place worldwide.  The walk is about mile long, and anyone can participate.

The main goals of the Buddy walk are "to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, to raise money necessary to develop innovative and effective programs, and to enhance the position of the Down Syndrome community, enabling positive influence upon local and national policy and practice."

Some may be wondering why I was so quick to get involved and why I am so very passionate about this cause.

Well, let me tell ya...

When I was in elementary school, 5th grade to be exact, I had a friend named Penny.

Penny was my first ever encounter with someone with Down Syndrome.  She came into our classroom and I immediately realized Penny was different.  Not different in the fact that her physical appearance differed from mine, but she had this special glow about her.  You could just see the determination in her eyes and the eagerness to be a part of our class.  An equal among her peers.  From that day forward I played with Penny everyday at recess.  I learned very quickly that Penny was very particular in what our recess time would consist of.  For weeks on end we played Duck, Duck, Goose for the duration of all three daily recesses.  Penny was always first to start the game and she was very picky about who she let play the game.  

Penny bonded with a group of about 5 kids very quickly and never reached out beyond her comfort of these 5, me being one of them. Out of the blue one day Penny changed our routine.  She grabbed me by the arm and drug me over to the tether ball pole.  It caught us all off guard, as Penny liked her structured recess routine.

I was absolutely game for something different.

Penny took a good whack at that ball and in just one hit she accomplished two things;

She wrapped that rope tightly around that pole as many times as it could go, and she knocked me flat on my ass.  

PENNY WAS STRONG!

That strength is something that I will never forget about Penny.

Her strength however was not just limited to physical strength,
 she was an overall strong person.

She alone had more determination than the entire class combined.  Regardless of how many obstacles she had to overcome, she faced those obstacles head on, without hesitation.

Every hurdle she came to, she conquered successfully. 

Never once did I witness Penny giving up or feeling sorry for herself.

She loved herself just the way she was.

She believed in herself.

She was determined.

She was empowering.

She was STRONG.

Penny taught me so many lessons in the few months I knew her (unfortunately, we moved away), but the greatest lesson by far is to never judge a book by it's cover, because it may be the most amazing words you will ever read.

Penny would blow the socks off anyone who had the opportunity to meet her acquaintance, and I am so grateful for having the opportunity to have called her a friend.

Now, ask me again why I am so passionate about this cause...

It is because these children are truly amazing.

Every single one of them have been sent here for their own purpose, and in the years since having met Penny I have found that every single one of these children have that same strength and determination Penny had.  

These children deserve a fighting chance in this world and this cause helps give them the chance to use their strengths to their greatest potential.

NOW,
I have a personal request.
I am asking EVERYONE to PLEASE get involved.
Register for the walk today and support these beautiful children.
If you would like to join the team I am going to be on,
Go HERE and register.
I have personally met Daysen and he is absolutely adorable.  I am looking forward to supporting this handsome little man and hope that you, yes YOU, will join me in supporting this very deserving little guy.
There is no obligation to join this team, 
Start your own team if you wish!
HERE
After the walk, there will be plenty of fun for everyone, so don't just register yourself, bring the entire family.
Donations are also welcome and can be made to either my team or  to NDSS.
If you have any questions regarding this event PLEASE ask!
For more information regarding the walk, event, Down Syndrome, or other ways to get involved visit
www.buddywalk.org
You can also find more information about Down Syndrome
HERE.

I would love to see this event get the backing it deserves.
So please,


GET INVOLVED, BE INSPIRED.