October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and on Saturday, October 6th, the Quad Cities marked it by moving.
More than 900 people participated in today's Quad City Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf. The 8th annual event raises money for GiGi's Playhouse, which provides free educational and therapeutic programming for those with Down Syndrome in our area.
Organizers say the walk is also a way to share their message with those not directly affected.
"The family and the community support is huge," says Michelle Hornbuckle, Site Coordinator at GiGi's Playhouse. "We can do what we do within our four walls and educate these children and give them the tools to be successful, but until we reach everyone outside the Playhouse in our communities and in our families... that's where the change happens, that's where doors open."
You can find more information on GiGi's Playhouse here.