On
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
the Down Syndrome Association of WI will have its
26th annual Awareness Walk for Down Syndrome
at the Milwaukee County Zoo

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

The last time we communicated, I was entering the final year at my middle school.  I have now completed the 8^th grade and this year I will be entering high school and that will be the next big step in my growing up.  I went from being the “Big Kid” in my smaller old school to now being a “Little Lady” in my new bigger school.  The one good thing is I’ve met my new teachers and they are great and I’ve also met back up with many of my old friends from my previous school.

I just turned 15 in July and I once again got to celebrate my birthday with the Green Bay side of my family in Door County this year.  It started out with a big party as my cousin Sydney got engaged our first day up there.  We had lots of fun getting to stay in our house with my Green Bay Grandma and my other relatives.  I love going to the beach, riding my 3 wheel bike (up to 2 miles – whew) and taking walks along the shore line.  I also love to get Hot Fudge Sundaes at Wilsons.  We played mini golf and just had fun with my family.  I was again able to play on a baseball team this year (the Yankees).  The group is called Koos for Kids.  They have a spot for everyone and everyone gets to play!  Just letting everyone know I believe my team won the World Series and I had two home runs.  Or at least it felt that way to me as well as each and every other kid who gets to be part of the experience.  My brother, sister, mom and dad even got to help out.  I’m not a fan of the running, but it is great fun crossing home plate.

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  to contribute to our lives and our communities.

Please consider supporting our team in any way you can. Each donation, no matter how big or small, will support individuals with Down syndrome.

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 own networks and to anyone else who you think might want to donate and register to walk as part of our team.