DSAOC celebrated the birth of 73 new babies born with Down syndrome in Orange County during 2009. The boys came in ahead with 41, compared to 32 girls. Congratulations to all the new parents!
A big thank you goes to the DSAOC Hospital Outreach Committee for their ongoing work with local hospitals and healthcare providers to help identify these births and coordinate early parent contacts.
A big thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, and participants that helped make Buddy Walk a great success again this year! And, a special shout out to the Team Captains that work so hard!
Buddy Walk contributions will still be accepted through the end of this year, so there’s still time. We’ll keep you updated.
Be sure to check out the first of our photos from the 2009 Buddy Walk. It was a beautiful day and these are beautiful photos! These were all taken by photographer Terrie Tavis.
Click here (use password: sunshine) to view 2009 Buddy Walk Photos.
Jacob Braun (Age 21, Tustin)
Thank you to the Officers, Board, and Members of the OCTLA for making this contribution possible.
Kim Holloway & daughter Olivia
In addition to our headliners - THE ENGLISH BEAT…we’ll also have some other exciting live entertainment for you on Buddy Walk Sunday, including Chelsey Sanchez, and the DagumDragon Band with Kim Holloway.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM – Registration/Field Access Opens
10:00 AM – Live Entertainment: Chelsey Sanchez
11:00 AM – Buddy Walk
12:00 PM – Live Entertainment: DagumDragon Band
1:00 PM – Live Entertainment: The English Beat
2:00 PM – Event Closes
Chelsey Sanchez & brother Bryce
Even 
if you can’t join us at the Buddy Walk this weekend – here’s the next best thing.
In collaboration with iBN Sports, we are excited to announce that we will be broadcasting live from the DSAOC website.
This will be our first live broadcast and we know it will enhance our efforts to expand visibility and public awareness.
So have your friends and family tune in to watch the festivities and live entertainment on the field, as well as all the teams finishing the walk.
DSAOC’s new alliance with CHOC Children’s is highlighted as a featured story in their upcoming fall issue of Kid’s Health.
Announcing the new pediatric Down syndrome healthcare program, the article discusses how it’s designed to provide thorough evaluations, assess each child’s particular medical issues, and coordinate access to a team of medical specialists.
Work on establishing this alliance began more than a year ago and it’s been a top priority for DSAOC. We look forward to this becoming the model ”one stop” program in the region, that offers comprehensive care through a weekly outpatient clinic; assists parents in navigating the healthcare system; and educates referring healthcare providers and families to the unique medical needs of children with Down syndrome.
To read the article: Kid’s Health Fall-2009
Tyler Orbaker, age 6
Thanks go to Kevin Orbaker and his family for organizing an event this past weekend at Rudy’s Pub & Grill in Foothill Ranch to help support DSAOC and raise Down syndrome awareness.
With help from KROQ and DJ Lighting, the event included a free concert by the U2 tribute band, The Joshua Tree. The event also raised funds with donations going to DSAOC. Great work Kevin and thanks to all involved – it’s much appreciated!
The OC Register ran an article about the event on Saturday that includes an interview with Kevin: OC Register Article 10/17/09
The Buddy Walk has always been more than just a walk and this year it’s a concert too, with the announcement that the ENGLISH BEAT will be joining us to perform a musical set on Sunday, November 8th at Angel Stadium. The band has agreed to take part in our biggest event of the year to help celebrate and demonstrate the value of our friends and family members with Down syndrome.
You don’t want to miss this. If you haven’t already done it – register today!
Click: Buddy Walk Registration Site
iBN Sports announced today that it will become the official internet broadcast provider of the DSAOC.
The new relationship will allow DSAOC to take a big step forward in telling its story – including the ability to archive videos, produce documentaries, and live-stream events and presentations. These opportunities will greatly enhance our public awareness efforts, as well as allow us to develop a broad library of valuable online tools and resources for our families.
Be sure to watch for iBN Sports at the Buddy Walk on November 8th. To read the press release issued today, click here: iBN Sports Press Release 10/5/09
Ryan & Blake Sessler
DSAOC is featured in the October issue of the OC Gazette which reaches more than 100,000 homes in Orange County. The article includes a really nice interview with Ryan Sessler about his son Blake. And, it gave us another chance to promote the 2009 Buddy Walk. Nice way to start out Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
To read the article online: October Issue – OC Gazette
We’ve had people emailing us this link all week – so we posted it here so everyone else can see this great touchdown run. Just click here to watch:
http://espn.go.com/video/clipid=4498494&categoryid=2378529
