Buddy Walk shows love and support for kids with disabilities
Over 300 people walked together on Saturday to show love and support for kids with disabilities as part of a nationwide event.
Local event organizer Michael Castillo said, “As I’m walking throughout the park and talking to families, I’m touched, one, by the new families that are participating, the new children, the new small family members.”
Families countywide joined the 15 th Annual Buddy Walk at El Centro Bucklin Park.
Kayla Rodriguez,parent of a child with special needs, said, “It’s just amazing. I’ve been doing it since Diego was born. We would do the stroller walk. And I can see throughout the years, this has grown. And that’s the best part of it is the fact that it continues to grow and we continue to have people and not just people that are relatives of people with disabilities, but just anybody in the community is joining this great cause.”
Castillo said becoming a parent for a child with special needs can be challenging and rewarding at the same time.
“Having a child with down syndrome is difficult, it can be lonely, but there’s also so much to celebrate. These are special children, special individuals,” Castillo said.
He said for some it’s a moment of need.
“And that’s when you’re really looking for people to talk to, people who’ve gone through what you’re going through and can kind of comfort you, support you and guide you,” Castillo said.
There are several support groups in the area.
“And it’snot just our support group, the down syndrome support group, we’ve got other support groups in imperial county, the autism group and other support groups here,” Castillo said.
Resources are available for others blessed with a child with special needs.
“Families who are maybe isolated or struggling, please come out and reach out, talk to friends, give us a call, visit our Facebook page,” Castillo said.
You can reach a support group by visiting the Facebook page The Down Syndrome Association of Imperial Valley.
Please watch our newscast for more information.
