Do I have to do the whole Walk?
No, you don’t have to do the full Walk. Feel free to do as much (or as little) of the Walk as you would like.

What else is there for my family to do?
There are activities for the whole family to do including face painting, arts and crafts, raffles and silent auctions, music, dancing, and food!

Can I bring my dog with me?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at Villanova University Stadium.

Can I bring a bicycle/tricycle with me?
We ask that you not bring a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, motorized car, etc. with you. We have a lot of people who attend the event, and safety is our main concern for everyone.

Why do I need a team?
Having a team celebrates the amazing people with Down syndrome. This event is a celebration of everyone, so people form to teams to commemorate that.

What if I don't have a "Buddy"?
You can make your own team or sign up as an individual. You can also join any team on the list.

How do I sign up?
Go to the Buddy Walk homepage.

Can I volunteer?
You can certainly volunteer. We need people to do a whole bunch of different tasks. Please email buddywalk@email.chop.edu for more information.

Do I have to be there the whole time?
No, you certainly don’t need to be there the whole time. The Walk itself starts around 10:45, but there are activities throughout the entire event time.

What type of safety do you have in place?
If someone is lost, we ask that they get brought to the stage where announcements can be made. We have a number of security/police officers on duty.

How do people with Down syndrome benefit from my participation?
The Trisomy 21 Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was established in 2003 to help children and adults with Trisomy 21 reach their fullest potential. The program’s staff of experts includes doctors, nurses, social workers, physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The team performs research and provides comprehensive care for its many patients and their families, including a review of developmental, behavioral, educational, psychosocial and medical issues.

The Buddy Walk® was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to nearly 300 walks planned for 2012 worldwide. In 2011, more than $11.2 million was raised nationwide to benefit local programs and services, as well as the national advocacy and public awareness initiatives of NDSS that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

Can I get a booth?
If you are interested in having a booth, please contact buddywalk@email.chop.edu for more information.

What does my registration money include?
Registration fees include a CHOP Buddy Walk® and Family Fun Day t-shirt and all of the activities (ie: moonbounces, facepainting, basketball, soccer, dancing, etc.) at the event. Food, silent auction, and raffles are all extra.

Will there be food there?
Yes, we have a selection of food for very reasonable prices.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at 267-426-6496.