Approximately 2,000 people gathered at the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck on Saturday for the 23rd annual Designer Genes Walk for Down Syndrome. Despite rainy weather, participants traveled from communities across North Dakota, including Williston, Minot, Dickinson, Jamestown, Bismarck, and West Fargo, to support the organization's mission. The event served as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their supporters.
The annual walk serves to support Designer Genes, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Down syndrome. Kendra Vander Wal, executive director of Designer Genes, explained the foundational goal of the event. According to Vander Wal, "spreading awareness for individuals with Down syndrome is at the core of their mission." She further detailed that the organization aims to strengthen opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and those who support them, enabling them to earn, learn, and belong within their communities. This walk is a significant way to advance this mission and foster awareness, reinforcing the belief that all individuals deserve to be integrated into community life.
Families and friends spent the day together on the Capitol grounds, contributing to the fundraising efforts for Designer Genes. Participants like Mika Putz, who attended with her son Jonny, expressed their support for the organization and its annual Walk for Down Syndrome. Putz noted the importance of being present to support friends with Down syndrome and to help spread awareness about the condition. The gathering in Bismarck highlighted the statewide network of support for individuals with Down syndrome, bringing together people from various North Dakota communities to the state's capital for a shared cause. The visibility of the event at the North Dakota Capitol underscored the broad community involvement and the importance of the organization's work.
Designer Genes encourages community members to extend their support beyond the annual walk. The organization states that year-round assistance is vital for its mission. Opportunities to contribute include volunteering time, making financial donations, or actively participating in the programs Designer Genes offers throughout the year. These ongoing efforts help ensure the continuous provision of services and opportunities designed to benefit individuals with Down syndrome and their families across North Dakota, including those residing in Burleigh and Morton counties. The continued engagement of local residents in Bismarck and Mandan is crucial for the sustained impact of Designer Genes' initiatives.
