A trek of less than one mile can begin a lifelong journey of discovery and celebration.

Family Connection of South Carolina will host the 6th annual Buddy Walk Sunday, Oct. 5, on the Anderson University campus. Participating will be individuals with Down syndrome, their family members, friends and community supporters. Registration starts at 1 p.m. and there will be activities to follow.

Those with Down syndrome are “special buddies” and friends and family will walk with their special buddy as a team. Funds raised support families of those with Down syndrome and local support groups as well as help with research efforts of the National Down Syndrome Society, according to Family Connection.

“Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States today,” said Andy Pope, executive director of Family Connection. “The Buddy Walk is a wonderful opportunity to educate the community, celebrate accomplishments and demonstrate hope for the future for all individuals with Down syndrome.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition occurring in one in every 800 to 1,000 live births.

Family Connection, a statewide, nonprofit organization, provides support to individual families, works to educate people about Down syndrome and helps families find the resources they need to provide a more productive life for their Down syndrome family member.

In February, we received a letter to the editor that put the Buddy Walk in perspective. It’s not just a one-day event. Susan Bowen Parks of Anderson wrote:

“I saw a billboard about a Buddy Walk honoring those with Down syndrome and it made me think about my good friend Marcia.

“Marcia passed away 14 years ago, but she was a special person. She was my pastor’s daughter, but she was a minister in her own right. … I was blessed to have been able to spend a lot of time with Marcia, and I can attest that she never met a stranger. Marcia didn’t see color or economic status; she just saw people. She never hesitated to hug people and tell them she loved them. She had a real gift.

“ I’ve always thought that if we could all be a little more like the Marcias in the world, the world would be a much better place. No one would feel unloved or unwanted. No one would be scarred by spiteful, hurtful words. And no one would ever have to go a day without a real, heartfelt hug.”

Everybody needs a buddy like that.