Down syndrome awareness month: Step up & drive fundraiser

Meet Brianna Falcon. She is a senior at Bullard High School in Fresno. She is also a Walk of Fame Superstar.

Brianna is one of many participants in the annual Step Up and Drive for Down Syndrome event in Clovis.

“She just has a great spirit. She loves participating in the Special Olympics and all sorts of activities,” said Patrick Gerrits, Brianna’s Bullard High School teacher.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central California is a big-hearted team that organizes events like these to pave the way for more acceptance, appreciation, and overall inclusion of down syndrome.

“They came through what we call our yellow brick road, meaning different vendors from the community who serve individuals with special needs,” said Jennifer Whiting, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central California.

It’s events like this that put a big smile on Brianna’s face. She says she is thankful to everyone for the support.

“My friends, family, and me. Like everything, everybody,” Brianna said.

That “everybody” includes her teacher, Mr. Gerrits, who says he enjoys attending these events and supporting his students.

“This is what I live for. I mean, my job as a teacher,” Gerrits said. “But things like this really build character and independence for individuals. I just love things like this.”

The Down Syndrome Association of Central California says their goal is to raise $60,000, which will go toward educational programs and resources, along with the overall awareness of Down Syndrome here in Central California. The organization has already raised a little over $50,000 and hopes that it will be able to reach its goal.