LONDONDERRY | The prospect of raising a child with Down syndrome can be intimidating for prospective parents.
But for one Londonderry family, the condition has served to bring them closer together.
Jeannie Dallahi of Cheshire Circle has three children, ages 12, 10 and 3. Her youngest, Amina, was born with Down syndrome in 2004, and this weekend, Dallahi and her family will participate in the sixth annual Buddy Walk.
Dallahi will make her fourth appearance participating in the event, which takes place on Saturday at the State House Plaza in Concord, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event not only raises money to help support families with children who have Down syndrome, it also provides a gathering for people to get a sense of camaraderie through a difficult disorder that affects approximately 350,000 people in the United States.
"It's great to see people of all age ranges," said Dallahi. "We have a ball. With the challenges raising a special needs child, its nice to see other families who deal with it as well. It's a fun day."
The Dallahi family reached their goal of raising $500 in donations for the event. A small portion of the proceeds goes to the local chapter of the National Down Syndrome Society, which sponsors the event. The rest of the proceeds go toward the national branch with the goal of helping families with the financial costs associated with raising a child with Down syndrome, such as medical expenses.
"Amina takes gymnastics, and we received a grant to help pay for that," said Dallahi. "There are also kits available that help teach letters and sight words, but they're expensive. Grants help pay for that as well."
For Dallahi, the event isn't just about raising awareness and funds. Her family has been able to make some great personal connections as well.
"We have a play group," said Dallahi. "All the families we know through the walk. It's nice to know you have people behind you."
Dallahi recognizes that some things are difficult when it comes to raising a child with special needs. But instead of dwelling on the difficult, Dallahi recognizes the more positive outlook regarding her daughter.
"Finding time and oftentimes money can be a big challenge," said Dallahi. "But the rewards are so great. You appreciate when she achieves a milestone, how significant it is on her journey."
Saturday's event in Concord is one of 300 walks that have either already taken place or are planned for this year. The walk is open to all people who either have Down syndrome, know someone with Down syndrome, or just wish to show support for everyone involved.
Donations can be made at the event, but you do not have to donate in order to be able to walk. Also, Annie Forts will be a guest speaker at the event. She is an adult with Down syndrome who currently holds the title of Lakes Region Goodwill Ambassador for the NDSS.
Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the State House Plaza, with the walk beginning at noon. Any interested parties who wish to volunteer can call Maria Yakkey at 622-2841. Anyone else interested in information surrounding the race can check the NDSS's official Web site at www.ndss.org.
