Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk 2011

John Michael's Mates came out in full force to help us STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME last Sunday.  We had 30 team members made up of family, friends, babysitters, 7th Graders and High School students sporting their best pirate gear.

Anna and her friends lead the way...

Cap'n John Michael in his trusty pirate ship.

LOVE the team spirit going on!

Greta and Cap'n Dad... Arrrrgh!

And Oma Crumley, whose shirt says "Old Bag".  I LOVE her sense of humor.  She designed it!

Make way for John Michael Mates!

First Mate Luke had a great time, too.

Big buddy, Frank, is like another big brother to John Michael.

I love watching these two together...

 

Mr. M and Luke took to land for the last leg of the walk.  So sweet!

John Michael waving hi to his friends!

In all, John Michael's Mates raised $875 for Down Syndrome awareness.  The money will directly benefit Sacramento's Down Syndrome Information Alliance to help new families and support individuals with Ds.

Can't wait til next year!  Arrrrgh!

31 for 21 -- A Message from John Michael (must read!)-- (Day #6)

AHOY, MATEYS!

It's time to sign up for my team,

"Team John Michael"

at the

STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME Walk.

Sunday, October 23, 2011
William Land Park
9am to 1pm

(Hint:  Get there early for parking, a new t-shirt, and some cool entertainment.  Stay after for free lunch (for registered walkers) and more entertainment.)


C'mon, already, what are you waiting for?  You want me to jump through the computer and drag you in?

Here's the link to go directly to my Team page.  https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/DownSyndromeInformationAlli/stepup/team.do?participationRef=232.0.36598818 

You need to register each person individually... it's a bit of a pain, but you've gotta do it.  No way around it... for little kids, you can make up an email address.  No problem...


Now, come closer and listen carefully...
I'm serious about this...

Please register today!  Don't delay!

 If you really, truly can't walk with us, then would you consider making a small donation to help the Down Syndrome Information Alliance (DSIA)?  They do so many great things for families and individuals who have Ds... me, included.  They also help new parents get updated information, support and encouragement.  Most people don't think people with Ds can do very much... I totally disagree!  Get to know me and you'll see why.  ;-)

Now, GO!  Do you part!

ARRRRRGH!

John Michael's Friends "Stepped Up" for Down Syndrome

Yesterday's "Step Up for Down Syndrome" walk was wonderful! The weather was perfect and we had a great turnout of almost 40 walking alongside our family.

Totally appropriate for the occasion, John Michael spent a lot of time "steppin' up" and walking on his own. He got to about 16 steps and was enjoying interacting with people.

He especially loves his Oma (Doug's mom). I love this photo of them walking slowly hand-in-hand.


Greta and her BFF holding up a poster made by the NDSC.

Many of Nic and Anna's classmates and their siblings joined us. It was great to see so many tweens and teens at the event. Thanks to Joanne for making posters. The one on the right says, "John Michael, You are something to crow about." It cracked me up because John Michael makes the funniest rooster sound.

Here's our team. John Michael rode in style in the wagon, waving a flag.

We couldn't pass up a quick photo op with his little buddies. Look how our group is growing! Gracie, Joaquin, John Michael, Gabby, Joey and Sheridan are some of the luckiest kids to be growing up together.