Why Walk?

The Trisomy 21 Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia would not exist as it does today without the tremendous support of the Buddy Walk. By providing steady funding for staff and infrastructure since the launch of the program in 2003, the Buddy Walk has been the catalyst for growing our multidisciplinary care and research team.

In the past decade, the Buddy Walk has raised more than $2.5 million for the Trisomy 21 Program. These funds have allowed us to:

• Provide ongoing clinical care and coordination for more than 1,200 individuals with Down syndrome
• Build a network of professionals with an interest and expertise in Down syndrome
• Educate families, educators, medical providers and community members about trisomy 21 through annual conferences, support groups and medical meetings
• Support families as they navigate community and government resources to get the assistance they need 

Additionally, funds generated through the Buddy Walk have significantly advanced the research mission of the Trisomy 21 Program, providing seed funding for new studies that have garnered federal support and been published in leading medical journals.

Why We Walk

One family explains why they participate in the Buddy Walk and how CHOP’s Trisomy 21 Program has helped their family. 
Read Evan’s Story

About the Trisomy 21 Program

Since 2003, the Trisomy 21 Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has provided clinical assessments and ongoing treatment for children and adults with trisomy 21. Also known as Down syndrome, trisomy 21 is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality, occurring in one in every 800-1,000 births.

Children and adults with trisomy 21 face many significant health challenges that require lifelong care. They are at a higher risk for congenital heart disease; gastrointestinal abnormalities; endocrinologic disorders; epilepsy; musculoskeletal issues that affect motor abilities; feeding disorders; and developmental disabilities, which include learning and intellectual disabilities, as well as autism. Deficits in any of these areas can adversely affect the child’s development and adaptive behavior.

The program’s team of experts includes developmental pediatricians, neurologists, nurses, social workers, researchers and physical, occupational and speech therapists. Together, they work to improve the quality of life for every child and adult with trisomy 21.