More Buddies Needed for Missoula Buddy Walk

The Montana Down Syndrome Association will be putting on the Missoula Buddy Walk this Sunday, September 24 at Silver Park between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Jessie Crowley who is helping to organize the event and get the word out, has some close personal ties to the cause.

“I helped found the Montana Down Syndrome Association… my son has down syndrome and so when the McGowans were putting on the Buddy Walk when it was at a different park and a little bit smaller and just getting started we started going. We went every year since we had Jake, so this will be our eleventh year. I hope for more this year, I think it can be bigger.”

Crowley says there were about 500 people at last year's buddy walk and that it looks like some Missoulians with down syndrome are still waiting for a buddy to walk with for this year’s event.

“You can visit the website at mtdsa.org and register and then just show up or call at 250-5314 and connect with me and I can direct you if you want to volunteer.”

On top of being a community event, The Buddy Walk is also a fundraiser to help those with down syndrome. With two days to go, The Buddy Walk has raised about $17,000 and is about two-thirds of the way to it's goal of $25,000.