Group F

DSAF "Shooting Stars" Program
This pilot program is an offshoot from the Stars Tent at the Step Up Walk. The Stars Tent highlights all the accomplishments of our membership by displaying Bios within the tent. Individuals with Down syndrome make us all realize and appreciate that the smallest accomplishments are HUGE that others may take for granted - whether it is climbing a step for the first time, playing the Baritone in a marching band, or reading a book. As an extension of our Stars Bios, which sit static on the walls of the tent, we created the "Shooting Stars" concept to allow a group of volunteer college students to follow the DSAF Stars outside the tent and into their lives during the morning of the walk. Through text, quotes, and pictures, we hope that this accurately captures the heart-warming magic that is the Step Up Walk!

Please follow this Blog of the 6 Groups of NSSLHA (Nebraska Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association) members from UNL, accompanied by their candid photographs. Additional photographs are also included.

Overall view from NSSLHA members from UNL:
We all really enjoyed this day. It is such a great way to raise awareness and support for those families that have children with Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome are just like you and me. It was evident that day. We were all affected by the parents' and children's responses to us. They were very open, supportive, and loving. It was exciting to see how many people were at this awesome event to show their support. It was an honor to be apart of it and can't wait for next year!!

• "We've been coming since it has started.  The kids insist on coming early so they can get in lots of time with all the fun activities.  It is a great day for our family."
• "I love seeing all the kids!"
• Mary O.-  "The kids are so beautiful and I love seeing all these moments captured with pictures."
• Another family says,"We've been coming here a long time."
• One little boy- Ryan, "I love the String Beans and the cotton candy!"
• Michelle N.- "It's very overwhelming.  Oh my gosh, just seeing all the people who come out for it is my favorite!"
• Kate G.-- "I love seeing all the other families gathered here."

Group E

• Boston Buddies from Arizona-- 1st time at the Walk in Lincoln, attended one in Phoenix; really enjoyed the day
• Anna's Angels-- team with lots of love and support; great day to show support for kids with Down Syndrome
• Sean's Buddies
• We walked with Sean's Buddies. Sean is a 4 year old boy with Down Syndrome.  His parents have participated in the walk for 4 years now.  They have lots of family and friends come out and support their son.  The mother said, "It's a fun, family day to celebrate LIFE!"--- NSSLHA members

Group D

• "Jakey Big Boy's Team"
• Mom: "This is a really important thing for us.  Without the support, it'd be impossible.  You just really need the support behind you.  My son has opened my eyes to how great kids' with Down Syndrome really are.  We have coming to this walk since my son was born.  He was just three weeks old the first time we came."
• Jakey also showed some of the NSSLHA members his sign language.  He knew lots of signs and did great!  He was such a fun and happy little boy.  We could see how much family support there was in that family. She started tearing up while talking to us, and it just really showed me how much this day meant to her.  It left a big impact on me. -- Chelsea,  NSSLHA member 
• Ben's Brigade
• Dad:  "Ben is not that different than other people, and this day really helps show that. It is such a great event."  
• A Mother of Young Boy with Down Syndrome said:
• "It affects our family everyday.  We are so blessed to be apart of this.  This day is all about awareness.  It is about the awareness of Down Syndrome.  We are all gathered for one common cause.  Down Syndrome is not always as visible in everyone so it's important to make people aware."
• A Father of a Young Boy with Down Syndrome said:
• "We came down from Omaha today.  Our little guy has down syndrome but it was also important to come support a family friend."

Group C

• includes: Bryan singing, Anna's Angels, Holly getting the question right!, Maya and her stroller, Cheer Express Sunshine, Austin's All Stars...
• Young boy Austin's favorite part was hanging out with his friend and being the first one done on the walk!

Group B

• Megan Marchers  have been here since the 1st year.  Jeffrey likes going past the zoo. 
• Other families said, "They love seeing people have they haven't seen in a long time."
• Team Elissa
• "love to get together with friends and family to celebrate Elissa's life"
• Elissa's Girl Scout friends said, "Elissa' a great girl. It's wonderful having her in the troop."

Group A

• "Samuel's Posse"
• Sam: age 2, Mom: Angie
• "This is our first year doing the walk; we started because of Samuel. The most exciting part of this day is meeting all of the other families here."
• "Step's for Jersey" from Clarkson, NE
• "This is our 3rd year doing the walk."
• Some of the families favorite parts are, "Seeing how much it grows every year,"  "Meeting others that are going through the same struggles we are,"  and "getting the opportunity to meet all these great kids."
• (Couple with Stroller) from Milford, NE
• "Our favorite part is seeing all the kids, and our kids enjoy that it is by the zoo!"
• "Maggie Rose's Twinkle Toeses"
• The family was excited to all get together today to celebrate Maggie turning one year old this month! Happy Birthday Maggie!

Shooting Stars Program - blogged by NSSLHA

DSAF "Shooting Stars"
This pilot program is an offshoot from the Stars Tent at the Step Up Walk.  The Stars Tent highlights all the accomplishments of our membership by displaying Bios within the tent.  Individuals with Down syndrome make us all realize and appreciate that the smallest accomplishments are HUGE that others may take for granted - whether it is climbing a step for the first time, playing the Baritone in a marching band, or reading a book.  As an extension of our Stars Bios, which sit static on the walls of the tent, we created the "Shooting Stars" concept to allow a group of volunteer college students to follow the DSAF Stars outside the tent and into their lives during the morning of the walk.  Through text, quotes, and pictures, we hope that this accurately captures the heart-warming magic that is the Step Up Walk!

Overall view from NSSLHA (Nebraska Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association) members from UNL:

We all really enjoyed this day.  It is such a great way to raise awareness and support for those families that have children with Down Syndrome.  Children with Down Syndrome are just like you and me.  It was evident that day. We were all affected by the parents' and children's responses to us.  They were very open, supportive, and loving.  It was exciting to see how many people were at this awesome event to show their support.  It was an honor to be apart of it and can't wait for next year!!

Please follow the following Blog of the 6 Groups - accompanied by their candid photographs.  Additional photographs are also included from higher-quality cameras.