Walkin With Winston 2019 (at the MN Down Syndrome Association's Annual Family Festival & Awareness Walk)
Our team's goal is to raise as much as we can over $10,000 by September 22 for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAM). What can we do together?
Your support is 100% tax-deductible.
Company match makes a huge difference. If you have it, let us know. Companies that have previously matched: Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi, Abbvie, Medtronic, etc.
DSAM's Family Festival & Awareness Walk is September 22, 2019. A special day to celebrate & honor our 10 year old son Winston & friends with Down syndrome.
Special guest: Rachel Coleman from Signing Times (Winston’s first celebrity crush)
Thank you to those that gave over $15,000 in 2018. Because of you - we have been able to accomplish SO MUCH this year! As a top fundraiser, Winston was featured in a recent issue of Minnesota Parent magazine. The ad brought awareness to the organization & positive he put a smile on manys face.
Winston update:
Winston is going into 5th grade! His list of favs include wild animals, dinosaurs, Star Wars, movies, snuggling, exploring in the woods & chocolate ice cream. He is an awesome brother to his sisters & has been so loving to his sister recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He's grown up so much this year. He loves his life! What a kid!
Winston's story:
He was diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) in the hospital after he was born. DS is a genetic disorder called Trisomy 21 that includes an extra chromosoe. When he was 4 he was diagnosed with Celiac and this year with autism. We don't celebrate his challenges but we also don't hide them. We've learned so much about not sweating the small stuff, loving unconditionally & being patient with ourselves & others. Our moto from day 1 has been “We are a team & together we will make it (no matter what)!” With God by our side and people supporting us, we have been able to embrace this journey with joy. We want to be a shining light to those around facing unepected & tough things. Winston will never be defined by any diagnosis & is always sure to put a smile on your face!
Why we support DSAM:
They support families like ours! The mission is to empower individuals/families, create community & celebrate abilities of people with DS. Brandon was President of the Board for 3 years & have facilitated the NW Metro Parent Community for many years.
DSAM provides information & direct support for newly diagnosed families through our medical outreach, publications, one-on-one parent support programs.
They partner with Jack's Baskets, Disability Day at the Capitol, World Down Syndrome Day @ MOA, family picnics around the state, iCan Shine for Bike camp, Back to School Parent Nights to help parents proactively communicate with teachers, Statewide Learning Conference, and so much more!
We can continue to expand high quality programming this year & years to come because of you! Thank you! Thank you!
Walk Details:
$5 registration fee includes a DSAM tshirt, food truck coupon, swag bag & chance at door prizes
Our tent (with yellow balloons on top) will have donuts & Starbucks at 9:30AM
PRE-PARTY featuring Rachel Coleman at 10AM!
Team Picture 11:25AM (at our tent)
Program, Awards & 2 mile Walk kick off at 11:45AM
AFTER PARTY with a DJ, Jumpy castles, food trucks and MORE!!!
Walkin With Winston team shirts (gray):
Text your size by Sept 1 to 612-867-2624. $15/men or women's, $10/youth. Shirts available on a first-come basis. Venmo to Tiffany Yerxa.
Our Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2342012116042138/?ti=ia
Thank you for giving! We are grateful for support of family, friends, colleagues, church community, educators, a fantastic medical community and the Down Syndrome Association of MN. We don't take it for granted.
Sincerely,
Brandon, Tiffany, Winston, Graciella & Elliana Yerxa
