Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk
Great Lakes Science Center
$13,249Raised of $278,500
Join Us to Celebrate 25 Years!
Join the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio as we unite for a common cause and raise funds at the 2025 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk®. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today! Help us spread the word; all are welcome for our day of celebration!
Since 2001, the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk has been an annual celebration. The inaugural event was held in October at the Great Lakes Science Center during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we're excited to return to the very venue where it all began. Over the past 25 years, our community has grown from just a few families to over 1,150, and we continue to offer more than 50 programs that support individuals with Down syndrome at every age and every stage.
The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.
The NDSS Buddy Walk has grown to over 275 walks, been attended by over 330,000 walkers and raised over $14.4 million towards national advocacy.
Getting Started
Everyone attending the Down Syndrome Assocation Northeast Ohio 2025 Buddy Walk® must be registered. You can sign up yourself AND your team members at the same time. Everyone you register will appear on your team page, even if they choose not to fundraise.
T-shirts are available while supplies last—register early to secure your size.
To ensure your shirt is shipped on time, please register by 8/22/25.
TEAM CAPTAINS: You can decide if you want to sign up all your team members when you register or if you'd like to invite them to your team page after you create it. Create your team by following the instructions below.
TEAM MEMBERS: Your team captain may register for you or send you an email invite to sign up. If they tell you to go ahead and join a team they've made, follow the instructions below.
INDIVIDUALS: Solo participants are welcome! You don't need a team to join us. Register yourself using the instructions below, start fundraising, and we'll see you there!
Buddy Walk 2024 Video
We are incredibly grateful to our 2024 Master of Ceremonies, Sara Shookman, who, alongside our Presenting Sponsor, Walmart, helped make the day a seamless and unforgettable experience!
