When the drumline kicks off the Buddy Walk on Sept. 6, the “Marvelous Mr. Magnus” is ready to run and dance, reminding everyone why the mile means so much.
The Buddy Walk is the Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati’s largest annual fundraiser, and it serves as a way for the community to celebrate the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The funds raised during the walk support programming and outreach initiatives for the association.
The Buddy Walk is a 1-mile stroll through Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove along the Cincinnati riverfront.
The route kicks off at 10 a.m. with a drum line, and approximately 15,000 people participate in the event each year. There is also entertainment throughout the walk, from cheer teams to animal encounters, inflatables and interactive games. Afterward, they offer food, drink, and additional activities for everyone as a way to express their gratitude for raising funds for their mission.
Union resident Emily Wellbaum, Magnus Wellbaum’s mom, said he had a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, so she and her husband had no idea before he was born. Magnus, who is the third of four boys, spent about a month in the NICU before going home. Wellbaum said that after reaching out to the association, they came to their home, met with them, and provided several resources.
Wellbaum choked up when talking about the support she feels during the walk.
“It’s just really nice, having everybody come out and celebrate your baby and all the work and it’s just really easy to get caught up in all the therapies and all of the struggles,” Wellbaum said. “It’s kind of like the payoff, the celebration of like, they’re worth it, and being surrounded by everyone.”
This will be the family’s fourth Buddy Walk they have participated in, representing their team “The Marvelous Mr. Magnus.” They have raised about $7,000 for the organization.
The Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati was started in 1981.
“The buddy walk is our largest fundraiser, and it’s really mission critical,” said Krissy Vinson, communications and impact director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. “It helps fund all of our services. We do a lot of individual family support for all ages and stages. We support families from a prenatal diagnosis through adulthood into the aging years, and support caregivers in that as well.”
The association conducts outreach work in schools, provides medical services, offers employment assistance, and engages in advocacy efforts at the local level. They also have a wealth of resources available to help families navigate any local needs they may have.
Additionally, they offer hundreds of programs throughout the year, ranging from little ones in music therapy to teen camps, as well as programs for adults and independent living skills.
Over 400 buddy walk teams participate each year. This year marks the 24th annual walk.
Wellbaum said Magnus is always excited to see the cheerleaders and dance to the DJ at the walk.
“People will come up and they recognize Magnus, they know Magnus from the program,” Wellbaum said. “It’s just like everybody wants to love on your kids, the workers, the different families, all of the people. It’s such an awesome celebration.”
Magnus and Wellbaum attend play group through the association, which Wellbaum said is her favorite program they participate in. The group provides a safe place for the kids to run around, while Wellbaum gets to interact with other moms.
“It’s just really no pressure, like when he runs, or when he starts singing, but he’s at a really loud volume nobody’s like, ‘Oh, why is he doing that weird thing?’” Wellbaum said. “It’s just like, this is fine, I’m going to help you by picking up your kid, I’m going to tell him no, I’m going to parent your kid like I would parent mine because we’re all in this community. It’s very much a village.”
