Down Syndrome of Louisville to host Kindness Warrior Walk this Saturday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Down Syndrome of Louisville is celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month is October with several events, including a walk this weekend.

The annual Kindness Warrior Walk, presented by Fit Body Boot Camp Louisville, will be Saturday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park's Festival Plaza.

Down Syndrome of Louisville executive director Julie Torzewski said the walk has a lot of meaning.

"Down syndrome is the third copy of the 21st chromosome, so our walk is actually 3,210 steps to honor that 321 number so it's just a little over a mile. And it's going to be a beautiful day and we think you should come out and walk and meet some of our families," Torzewski said.

The event costs $21 and includes a welcoming ceremony, walk, games, a car show, and live music. Food trucks will also be on site and a percentage of food sales will be donated to Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL).

All the proceeds from the event will help DSL continue to provide support, education, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome in Louisville and southern Indiana.

To donate or to register, click here.

According to its website, this year's Kindness Warrior Walk has raised more than $225,000. It's goal is $290,000.

Other events supporting DSL this month include the first-ever "Boogie Down Brew!" at Gravely Brewing Co. on Baxter Avenue on Friday, Oct. 11. There will be an official beer release from 5 until 8 p.m.

Tammy Gilles, who is the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, said the event will open your eyes and your heart.

"Especially if you've never met someone with Down Syndrome, this is a perfect opportunity for you to come down and meet somebody, because I think people have an idea of what they think Down Syndrome is and until you actually meet somebody you don't know. You don't understand how much value they add and how much they really brighten our lives," Gilles said.

DSL provides developmental and educational programs with people with Down syndrome throughout their entire lifespan. It has more than 1,200 members across 26 counties in Kentucky and southern Indiana. To learn more, click here.

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