COME WALK WITH US!

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 29TH, 2011!

Dear friends and family,

This October marks our 4th Step Up for Down syndrome walk in Kansas City.  Our first walk, was the Buddy Walk.  That day we were joined by a group of loving, caring family and friends, who embraced Sophia from the start.  We were 50+ adults and children, who came from KS, MO, IL, OK, and GA, just to support team "Sophies Trophies".  We raised about $8,000 as a team that year.  It was a magical day.  I will never forget the feelings and emotions I felt that day.  Everyone there for the same reason we were:  because their lives have been touched by someone with Down syndrome.  Each year, the same feelings come over me, and to describe it is almost impossible.  The closest I can come is to say it is like being lifted up, no worries, no cares, just LOVE.  The love that is shared on that day, and the sight of all the joy and celebration of the human spirit-all of it- can make a person feel.
 
Since then, Sophies Trophies has grown, and our dedicated contingent still comes from far-flung states just to be with us for the Step Up Walk.  It is gratifying to think this team has together raised more than $30,000 in just 3 years.  More important, to me, is the unconditional support and acceptance of Sophia by our family, friends, and community.  They have inspired me, by their willingness to be a part of an ongoing effort to increase the ability of people with Down syndrome to participate as valued members of society.  Like us, they see all the promise in Sophia and others like her.  And, of course, Sophia inspires us with her developmental mountain climbing, baby step by baby step, every single day.  She is, quite simply, extraordinary.
 
So each year, I can't wait for the Step Up Walk.  I wonder whether it is the collective joy of that celebratory group who are linked together by Down syndrome, like Sophia- who make it so magical.  I tend to believe that somewhere on that extra chromosome is the key to something elusive that the rest of us have to spend a lifetime trying to find.  Unless, of course, we are lucky enough to be living with that gift each day, allowing us entry into a very "special" world indeed.

Love,

James, Heather, Taylor, Sophia, and Simon

Never forget that your fundraising efforts truly change lives. If you can't make the walk, making a donation to the team is simple; just click on the "Donation to the SOPHIES TROPHIES" link.

We thank you for your generous support of SOPHIES TROPHIES and look forward to seeing you Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk & Festival!