In a move to raise awareness and funds to provide meaningful support to people living with Down syndrome, The Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) will be hosting its inaugural ‘Bredrin Walk’ on October 13, 2024, at Hope Gardens in St Andrew.

The date of the walk, which spans two kilometres, is significant to JDSF as October is observed globally as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Rebranding Jamaican-style

 According to the JDSF, “This landmark event signifies a major step forward in Jamaica’s effort to enhance understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, while fostering a sense of unity and compassion throughout the community. The ‘Bredrin Walk’ is inspired by the Buddy Walk, an event established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the United States.”

The organisation further explains that the rebranding of the event to ‘Bredrin Walk’ reflects the close bonds, mutual respect, and warmth that define the Down syndrome community. To this end, the Bredrin Walk aims to unite families, friends, advocates, and supporters from across Jamaica to celebrate the lives and achievements of those with Down syndrome. By walk side-by-side, participants will highlight the power of inclusion and the importance of solidarity, which are principles the JDSF has upheld since its founding.

‘Not a barrier’

Founder and chairperson of the JDSF, Dr Charmaine Scott, speaking on the importance of the event, stated: “Down Syndrome is not a barrier to success, happiness, or love. It is a part of the beautiful diversity that makes our world richer and more vibrant. Through the efforts of the Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation, we aim to ensure that every person with Down syndrome has the opportunities they deserve to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.”

She added: “The Bredrin Walk will be more than just a fundraiser or an awareness campaign; it will be a celebration of unity, acceptance, and the relentless spirit of our community. The funds raised will go directly towards programmes and services that provide essential resources to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. These include educational resources, therapy sessions, and advocacy efforts to ensure that the voices of those with Down syndrome are heard and respected.”

The event will receive the invaluable backing of its sponsors who, the JDSF says, have demonstrated their commitment to such an important cause and without whom it would not be possible to stage the inaugural Bredrin Walk.

Sponsors for the event include: Hope Gardens, Jamaica Moves (MOHW), Kemtek Development, Jamaica Producers Group, CB Facey Foundation, Tim’s Big Heart Foundation, CIBC, and Courts Jamaica Ltd, and ND Communications,

JDSF on a mission

Since its establishment on October 26, 2007, the JDSF has endeavoured to provide emotional and practical assistance to families raising children with Down syndrome. The foundation’s goals include maintaining a database of families with Down syndrome-affected children, offering emotional support, and promoting social awareness and acceptance of the condition.

The JDSF also plays a critical role in guiding families and caregivers on how to make the best use of available resources while offering educational materials and seminars for families, health care providers, and educators.

In 2011, the JDSF was part of a successful international appeal to the United Nations to officially recognise March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, further solidifying its commitment to global advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

For the upcoming event, the JDSF is inviting participants from across Jamaica to join Bredrin Walk and be part of this powerful movement that is making a profound difference, raising awareness and showing our collective love and respect for individuals with Down syndrome, “because when we walk together, we walk stronger”.

The entry fee for the event is $1500 and interested individuals can register via this link https://my.raceresult.com/308270/ and also compete for a special armband raffle prize.