REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Life does not stop with the diagnosis of a disability. In fact, it becomes all the more special. It’s estimated that 250,000 people in the United States and about 4 million people worldwide have Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It affects intellectual and physical development and can cause health problems such as heart defects.
“I was oblivious and ignorant to everything that had to do with Down syndrome prior to having a child that had Down syndrome,” said Brandi Keaton-Spencer.
When she became pregnant with her first child, Keaton-Spencer was single and preparing to become a single mom. She was excited about it.
However, she admits, when the doctor told her the baby would be born with Down syndrome it was shocking and overwhelming.
“They asked me, is this something you want to continue?” Keaton-Spencer said. “I’m so glad that I made the decision to continue with his life because I would have missed out on this incredible opportunity and this incredible person.”
Keaton-Spencer says her son, Brady, is full of personality and enriches her life every single day. She says it’s been amazing to watch him grow and reach different milestones. She has no regrets.
When she first met her now husband, she says Brady was key in bringing them together.
“He had a hand in that,” she said.
“It was a lot that one person was handling,” said John Spencer, Brandi’s husband and Brady’s stepfather. “So, just to be around and witness what she was going through and doing it by herself was pretty amazing.”
When John and Brandi got married, Brady gained a stepsister. A few years later, he became a big brother.
The entire family has been gearing up for this year’s DSACO Buddy Walk. It’s the largest annual fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO). It’s also one of the largest celebrations of the Down syndrome community.
The event is one the family looks forward to each year.
“Just seeing all the different families that had not been there the year before and just getting the opportunity to meet new people, I love that part about the Buddy Walk,” said Spencer.
It’s that inclusive community that has proven to be one of the most important benefits DSACO families receive. That’s in addition to educational resources, programs, financial assistance and many other opportunities offered by DSACO.
That support is invaluable.
DSACO families know that anyone who has a person with Down syndrome in their life belongs to a special club. They consider themselves the chosen few. They say it’s the best club you can belong to.
Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does or just want to show your support, DSACO would love to have you hit the pavement along with them.
“It’s just such a feeling of togetherness,” Keaton-Spencer says of the event. “Just the love and support there and meeting all the different families and building all those different relationships is really dynamic.”
The 2024 Columbus Buddy Walk takes place on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Fortress Obetz. You can find out more on how to join the walk, volunteer or just donate by clicking here.