Buddy Walk

What is the Buddy Walk?

The Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk is DSANEO’s largest fundraiser. This year marks the 26^th annual Buddy Walk in our hometown! The event celebrates inclusion and promotes acceptance! The 2026 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk is taking place on Saturday, October 24^th at Mall C in downtown Cleveland. We can't wait to share all the details of this exciting day in the days to come. 

What happens at the Buddy Walk?

Are you ready to celebrate? The Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk is a special day for everyone! The event begins with opening ceremonies and then a 1-mile walk. After there is a Post Buddy Walk Dance Party. Be sure to check back for all the details!

What do the funds from Buddy Walk support?

As the largest DSANEO fundraising event of the year, the Buddy Walk provides about 35% of the resources needed for DSANEO to fulfill its mission throughout the year. With your help, we can continue to provide support, education and advocacy for children and adults with Down syndrome, their families and communities throughout Northeast Ohio.

How can I get a Buddy Walk T-Shirt?

Each year we have fun designing the Buddy Walk t-shirt. We know everyone looks forward to seeing the design and colors. The best way to ensure you get a t-shirt is to register EARLY!

Questions? Contact Calli Fenik, Buddy Walk Coordinator, at calli@dsaneo.org

The Buddy Walk® was created by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

Since 1995 the walk has grown to over 275 walks, been attended by over 330,000 walkers and raised over $14.4 million towards national advocacy.

The Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk began in 2001 and has continued annually ever since.