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Justin walks, meets cheerleader buddies

Published 6:00am Saturday, October 13, 2007

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Justin Wevley, a 21-year-old Hoffman resident, recently did his part to contribute to the cause.

Justin has Down Syndrome and raised $500 in sponsorship money for the Minnesota Down Syndrome Association during the Buddy Walk, held at Como Park in St. Paul.

The event raises funding and awareness to provide support for people and their families that may have a member with Down Syndrome.

Justin was one of several thousand in attendance at Como Park along with his father Steve Wevley, who serves on the State Board of the Minnesota Down Syndrome Association. Wevley has seen great strides in resources for families of Down Syndrome patients.

“As a parent of a special needs child that lives outside the Twin Cities metro area, 20 years ago it was difficult to access or find services and supports for children with certain disabilities,” he said. “That has improved. The Minnesota Down Syndrome Association, Arc of Minnesota, PACER and others are all excellent resources for parents, families, educators, and others looking for available services.”

Steve Wevley is also a manager of safety services at Otter Tail Power Company in Fergus Falls and has the benefit of empathy and assistance from his co-workers and employers.

“I will mention how thankful I am to have an employer that, regardless of my geographical location in our three state service area, has been extremely supportive,” he said. “I have come to realize through time and assistance that my wife and I have spent with and giving to other families, that it isn’t always the case.”

Numerous groups from all walks of life and business are involved in the Buddy Walk including the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, a perk Justin found for himself.

“Justin is a big Vikings fan,” he said.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to promote awareness and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and has grown from 17 walks in 1996 to 250 in 2005. Last year, over 250,000 people took part in walks throughout the country. The Buddy Walk is held on the last Sunday of September in Duluth and the first Sunday in October in St. Paul to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.