By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Northwest Kansas Down Syndrome Society is sponsoring its inaugural Step Up for Down Syndrome run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 6 in Russell, and the event has already surpassed expectations.
More than 386 people making up 21 teams have already singed up for the event, which will raise money for the Down Syndrome Society. The event has 21 Stars registered, who are people who have Down syndrome.
Angie McKenna, founding member of the Northwest Kansas Down Syndrome Society, said she hoped the event will create more awareness about Down syndrome.
McKenna, whose 3-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, has Down syndrome, said she felt very alone and confused before she was able to connect with other parents who had children that have Down syndrome.
“When my daughter was born at HaysMed, they were great, but they told me she had Down syndrome and that was it. I didn’t know anything about Down syndrome. I didn’t get any literature. I just got a diagnosis and that was it. I didn’t know what to do.”
Someone in her home of Russell gave her some books on Down syndrome, and she spent seven days in the NICU reading everything she could.
The other parents in the group let her know that it as going to be all right.
“I have a normal kid,” she said. “She takes a little bit extra, and it may take her longer to reach her milestones, but it is worth more in the end.”
McKenna said the Down Syndrome Society also pushes for more funding, as Down syndrome is one of the most underfunded conditions. More attention and money needs to put toward inclusion and helping people with Down syndrome to live normal lives, she said.
“My daughter made me a better person,” she said. “I enjoy the little things more. I love seeing a smile on her face. She is always happy. I think I am more understanding.”
People from all over the region are set to attend the walk/run, including a group from the Hays ARC, said ARC director Kathy McAdoo.
McKenna said she and others had been traveling to a similar event in Clyde that was sponsored by the Northcentral Down Syndrome Society. Families wanted to be able to attend an event that was closer to home.
Registration will be taken the day of the event, and includes a T-shirt. T-shirts will be made on site, so even those who register late should be able to get one.
Registration will be from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m. Run registration will close at 7:45 a.m. The event will be on the new Russell Community Adventure Course at the Russell Recreation Center. McKenna said the surface is flat and smooth and should be good for people of all abilities.
Cost for the run is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Cost for the walk is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. Cost for both registrations is $35 for adults and $20 for kids. There also will be a 50/50 raffle.
The run starts at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 8:45 a.m. Breakfast concessions will be available.
The run is a 5K plus, which will be 3.21 miles. McKenna said this is significant because people who have Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome.
For more information on the run/walk or the Northwest Kansas Down Syndrome Society, visit its Facebook page or call McKenna at 785-769-3244.