On
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
the Down Syndrome Association of WI will have its
24th annual Awareness Walk for Down Syndrome virtually this year.

Hi Everyone - Jessica Hoppe here.  Thanks for coming to check out my fundraising page.  I wanted to share with everyone what a great, but different year I have had.

I made new friends and met new teachers as I started the 6th grade this year.  Things were a little confusing when I only got to meet with my teachers once in a while on the computer after schools were closed.  At least I got to see my friends from school one day a week when we would gather for an online “get together”.  I have been trying to keep my skills strong over the summer, so I have been working with my mom and dad reading and doing some math.  It has been difficult.

I turned 13 in July.  Just like it has been for many people, it was celebrated at home as we couldn’t meet with my friends this year.  I would have liked to tell you all about my new season playing baseball with my friends from Koos for Kids, but we couldn’t have a season.  Our family trip to Disney over Spring Break also couldn’t happen.  This makes for a shorter list of things for me to tell you all about

I did once again get to celebrate with the Green Bay side of my family in Door County this year.  We had lots of fun getting to stay in our house with my Green Bay Grandma and my other relatives.  We didn’t go many places, but when we did we “masked up” like everybody else visiting there.  I have a really cool pink with white polka dots mask.  The beaches didn’t have many people this year, so we were able to swim most days.  It was just nice being someplace different for a week.  I was able to get hot fudge sundaes at Wilsons as they came up with a safe way to be open.  We did get to play mini golf and just have fun with my family and cousins.

The one good thing about living near a bike trail is that we do get to take short bike rides on my three wheel bike.  I have worked my way up to a 2 miles round trip.  I always beat my dad when we race.

Our family has participated in the Awareness Walk every year since I was born!  We want to get the word out that People with Down syndrome are more LIKE everybody else than they are different.  We have feelings, talents and dreams just like everyone.  We deserve to be accepted and appreciated for who we are and what we can and do contribute to our lives and our communities.

Due to the pandemic, this year's walk will look a little different. We can't wait for a months-long, virtual party celebrating our loved ones with Down syndrome and related disabilities! Now more than ever, your support of DSAW is crucial. DSAW had to close their offices and suspend in person programs and events for months -- we need YOU to help ensure DSAW's viability during this pandemic and beyond. Please consider supporting our team in any way you can. Each donation, no matter how big or small, will support individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities. 

Donating through this website is simple, fast, and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts. You can make your tax-deductible donation online, or if you would prefer, you can send your contribution to the DSAW Office: 11709 W Cleveland Ave, Suite 2, West Allis, WI 53227 (Just be sure to write our team name on the memo line so that we get credit for the donation!) Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! To sponsor us simply press Donate Now.

To join our team, click Register For This Event.

Many thanks for your support, and PLEASE don't forget to forward this to your entire address book and anyone else who you think might want to donate and register to walk as part of our team.