Finnley Westlund To Represent the Down Syndrome Community in Unique Annual
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Video Presentation
NEW YORK, New York SEPTEMBER 12, 2026) – Finnley Westlund of Falmouth, KY, will
appear in the bright lights of Times Square on Saturday, September 12, as part of the
annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square
Video Presentation. The one-hour video of 500+ photographs includes children, teens,
and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries. These collective
images highlight individuals with Down syndrome in the most visible way – on two
screens in the heart of Times Square.
The photo of Finnle, taken by Gwendolyn Burgess, his Grandmother, was selected
from more than 2,700 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. His photo will be
shown on two Jumbotron screens thanks to the support of Clear Channel Outdoor. The
two screens are above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The
presentation will be livestreamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 8:30-9:30am ET on
September 12.
FINNLEY is pictured at Kincaid Lake, Falmouth, KY during a family outing. His parents,
Evan Westlund and Amber Gover are thrilled to be making the trip to New York City to
celebrate this honor of having Finnley represent his hometown at the Buddy Walk in
Central Park this year along with his Sister Ivy and Aunt Emma.
The Times Square Video Presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk®, which
takes place at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park. This flagship Buddy
Walk® has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy
Walk® Program. Over 150 Buddy Walk events are held in communities across the
country and select international locations. For more information about the New York City
Buddy Walk on September 12 or the National Buddy Walk Program, please
visit www.ndss.org.
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About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals
with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources,
engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages
grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to
support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the
lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging.
NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community
engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy
Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome
Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.
About the National Buddy Walk
® Program
Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk® Program has been the premier Down syndrome
awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created
by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion
of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national initiatives to
support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk® events take
place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and
find a Buddy Walk® near you, visit https://ndss.org/national-buddy-walk-program.
