CADSA’s local Step Up for Down Syndrome (SUDS) walk is one of 300 events held annually across the country focused on increasing funding and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. SUDS is typically our largest fundraising event of the year. In the past, we have had 2,000 people in attendance at our 5K event!

As our community is starting to re-engage and re-build post-COVID and knowing that our families have varying levels of comfort with crowds, our planning committee felt it would be best to hold a smaller event this year – similar to how SUDS began – and call it “Return to Our Roots.” Attendees will participate in a 1 mile walk around Patriarche Park with outdoor games (e.g. kickball) to follow. We invite attendees to wear their vintage SUDS shirts from past events and to bring individual snacks and beverages for after the walk.

As SUDS is typically our primary fundraiser, donations are welcomed but not required. We encourage participants to give what they are able and invite others to contribute to our cause. SUDS donations will be collected through the end of October in recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Thank you for supporting the Capital area Down syndrome community!