MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – It\u2019s an annual public awareness program for the National Down Syndrome Society and a family from Sauk City is participating this year. <\/p>\n
Valerie Weiss and her daughter, Luna, joined WMTV 15 to talk about the program. <\/p>\n
The family was chosen to participate in the 2026 NYC Buddy Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12 in support of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). <\/p>\n
Luna was also selected to be featured in the NDSS Times Square Video Presentation. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an honor and a privilege,\u201d Valerie said. \u201cWhen we received Luna\u2019s diagnosis, it was really scary. There was a lot of unknowns, and we were told so many things that she most likely wouldn\u2019t be able to do and all the health complications that she would most likely have, but she has taught us that Down Syndrome is not something to be afraid of. It truly is a blessing, and Luna has brought us so much love, joy and laughter to our lives.\u201d <\/p>\n
The family plans to leave on Sept. 11, which will also be Luna\u2019s first plane ride, and the presentation is on Saturday morning. <\/p>\n
The family will then head to Central Park for the Buddy Walk after the presentation. <\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to know that Luna and others with Down Syndrome, it\u2019s so much more than a diagnosis,\u201d Valerie said. \u201cLuna is a typical six-year-old who wants to be included, have friends, go to school and be loved and valued.\u201d <\/p>\n
Valerie highlighted Luna and her friends as a great example of inclusion. <\/p>\n
\u201cInclusion is really about welcoming everybody despite their differences and accepting everyone for who they are and not expecting them to change to meet our standards,\u201d Valerie said. \u201cLuna has a group of friends that are just an amazing example of that. They love her, they care for her, they are so kind to her and they meet her where she\u2019s at. The best thing about it is they do it naturally.\u201d <\/p>\n
The walk will be livestreamed on the National Down Syndrome Society\u2019s Facebook page. <\/p>\n
More information on Luna\u2019s team, follow the link<\/a>. <\/p>\n