C.W. Post School of Education to Co-sponsor
First Long Island Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome

Event to be held on October 27, 2007 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY

Brookville, NY - In an effort to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs, Alexander's Angels, an organization that promotes the awareness of Down syndrome, the School of Education at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), The Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation (DSAF), the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF), and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) will hold the first Long Island Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York. Registration starts at 11 a.m., the walk begins at noon.

The Buddy Walk, a one-mile walk developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, has grown from 17 walks to more than 250 nationwide and 260 worldwide. The goal for 2007 is to hold more than 275 walks internationally.

Alexander's Angels, the main sponsor and coordinator of the Buddy Walk, was founded by Esther Gómez-Nieto, a graduate of the C.W. Post Campus, and grandmother to a 6-year-old boy with Down syndrome.

The walk will take place on October 27, 2007 at the Picnic Area near Parking Lot 6A of Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY.  Registration begins at 11 a.m.  End of walk entertainment and activities are being planned.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder, estimated at one per 800 to 1,000 births. It is caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. The symptoms of Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. Given the proper supports, children with Down syndrome can lead healthy and productive lives.

For more information about the walk, call 516-361-7263 or visit www.alexandersangels.org

Posted: October 3, 2007