DSNOCC 15th Anniversary Buddy Walk® 2026 — Jacksonville, NC

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Since then, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States and the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community. Join the Down Syndrome Network of Onslow and Carteret Counties (DSNOCC) as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary Buddy Walk®! This special milestone event brings together families, friends, educators, businesses, and community members to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and promote a more inclusive world. Whether you walk, donate, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps support DSNOCC programs that empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through: • Advocacy and inclusive education • Family support and connection • Community awareness and outreach • Resources for individuals across the lifespan Our Buddy Walk® is not about speed — it's about belonging, acceptance, and community. Walk at your own pace, celebrate our amazing families, and help us continue building a more inclusive future. 🎉 Celebrate 15 years of inclusion with us! Gather your friends, start a team, fundraise for a cause you believe in, and join us for a day filled with: • Community celebration • Music and entertainment • Vendors and family activities • Team fundraising • A powerful walk for inclusion Schools, businesses, churches, and community organizations are encouraged to create teams and walk with us! If your group would like to participate or start a team, we would love to connect with you. Please reach out to us to learn how you can get involved. Together, we are proving that inclusion isn’t just an idea — it’s a way of life. 💙💛 Down Syndrome Network of Onslow & Carteret Counties