WHY WE WALK
Why Join CHOP Buddy Walk®?
The CHOP Buddy Walk® is more than a celebration – it’s a way to drive meaningful change. Your support fuels CHOP’s Trisomy 21 Program, an innovative, multidisciplinary program that began in 2002 and continues to advance care, research and services for individuals with Down syndrome. The Trisomy 21 Program cares for patients throughout their lives – from early childhood through adulthood. We’re here for you and your family – and we want you to join us!
Walk with us. Donate. Help fuel progress for kids and adults with Down syndrome and their families. Together, we can expand what’s possible for these individuals – today and for years to come.
Did you know?
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Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans, affecting about 6,000 babies born each year in the United States and more than 350,000 individuals.
Here’s how your support makes an impact at CHOP
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We provide specialized, comprehensive care for 2,500+ individuals with Down syndrome annually from birth to adulthood, many of whom have been our patients for more than 20 years!
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Patients come to CHOP from around the world and represent diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Our specialists support care coordination with other clinicians at CHOP and within your community.
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We developed and run a Parent Peer Program to provide support to caregivers and siblings of individuals with Down syndrome.
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Our clinical leaders helped standardize new growth charts for youth and adults with Down syndrome through the Down Syndrome Growing Up Study.
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Our team created a toolkit to ease the transition from pediatric to adult care for patients with Down syndrome.
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We collaborate with NIH-funded researchers to identify the best learning and developmental interventions for children and young adults with Down syndrome.
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Our clinical and psychological staff provide prenatal diagnosis and support to expectant parents to answer questions, provide information and resources to families.
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CHOP offers a pool group to families, where physical and occupational therapists teach water safety and swimming skills, and help individuals improve their development and respiration skills while having fun.
“Your support of the Trisomy 21 program helps us achieve our goal of promoting optimal health, growth and development so that individuals with Down syndrome can reach their potential and become valued members of their communities well into the future. Involving your family and friends in this endeavor through the CHOP Buddy Walk® spreads awareness that children and adults with Down syndrome have the capacity to contribute to their community if learning is supported and opportunities to do so are available.”— Mary Pipan, MD, Director of the Trisomy 21 Program
Meet Our Champions
Big smiles. Big inspiration. Meet the incredible patients who make the CHOP Buddy Walk® so meaningful and inspire every step we take.
