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NDSS September 2011 Newsletter »

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NDSS is energized by motivated people who contact us about wanting to make a difference in their community and on a national level. Each month, this section will feature an individual, family or group who has donated time and energy to creating exciting ways to support the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome by raising awareness and money for NDSS. 

The Savicki Family 

In October 2008, Randy Savicki contacted NDSS  four days after his son Brody was born with Down syndrome. Randy's first note said, "my wife and myself just had our first child- he has Down syndrome and he is a little angel. Things have been overwhelming, but the first thing I thought of was starting an event- I guess it is my way of learning to accept and wanting to educate myself. I am an avid cyclist and would like to start a bike ride in my area to benefit Down syndrome."

Within one month, Randy had put a plan in place for a bike ride in the Utica, New York area. Incorporating the three copies of the 21st chromosome in Trisomy 21, Randy multiplied the two numbers to determine the 63 mile distance of Brody's BUDDY™ Ride. 

Randy's wife Christine joined in the planning efforts by taking a lead role in fundraising and finding local organizations to sponsor the event.  She quickly learned that people all over their region were interested in supporting their cause and many people stepped forward to share their own stories about individuals with Down syndrome who have touched their hearts.  The whole town was a buzz about the upcoming event, and Brody became the most popular kid on the block!

This year, they hosted the 3rd Annual Brody's BUDDY™ Ride on Saturday, August 20.  Seventy-five riders and 200 other participants joined together to celebrate Brody Savicki, the value of all individuals with Down syndrome, and the mission of NDSS.   Hundreds of people made donations, including several corporate sponsors, with contributions totaling $22,000!  NDSS is one of the beneficiaries of this event.     

Earlier in the year, Christine and Randy worked with a web designer to redesign the website for Brody's BUDDY™ Ride.  They wanted their site to provide more than just information about the event in August- they wanted it to be a place where people can turn for accurate facts and information, a source of inspiration for new families, and a resource for local families looking to get connected.  The Savickis accomplished all of these goals, and in addition, they have built a following 600 people on Facebook.  

After this year's event, Christine shared, "I just know that someday, Brody's BUDDY™ Ride is going to be an event that people and businesses are begging to be a part of!  Everyone who rode had an awesome ride and is for sure returning next year!  We are getting positive feedback from those who only attended the post-ride event, and they all had a wonderful time!  So, on to next year! Each year we learn a little more!  The most important part of the entire day, however, was that we noticed many, many more children and adults with Down syndrome at the event!  We were all very excited about that!  In 2011, although we may have raised a little less money than before, there were more people with Down syndrome, and in that sense, there was more love, more education and more awareness... like we say, 'More is Better!'"

Congratulations and thank you, Savicki Family! 

If you want to learn more about organizing a BUDDY™ themed event, please contact Pamela Sandonato at psandonato@ndss.org.

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