Walking to Educate, Advocate, and Celebrate Those with Down Syndrome

L-R:  Amanda Debnam, Graham Katzenmeyer, Sandy Hogan (grandmother)

In 1995, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) established the Buddy Walk® program to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  For more than 10 years this fundraising and awareness event was absent from northern Louisiana.  Enter Laura and Alan Katzenmeyer, parents of two-year old Graham, a child born with Down syndrome.  As they began a new journey, this couple soon realized they needed the support of others, but they also learned how little most people know about this genetic condition.

With the support of many from the Ruston, Louisiana area, like House of Raeford Farms FLOCK’s community outreach team in nearby Arcadia, Laura embarked on the revival of Buddy Walk®.  There was already a connection between Laura’s family and House of Raeford.  Her dad Mike Hogan is a broiler technician with our Arcadia complex.

On October 21, 2023, the planning became a reality as about 300 persons gathered at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston for a one-mile fun walk and carnival.  As a major sponsor, FLOCK not only provided a monetary contribution but also set up carnival activities like a dunking booth, ball pit, and chicken toss, all great attractions for the kids.  The FLOCK team even came through with a variety of homemade cookies to the delight of all the participants.

“Our area’s first Buddy Walk in over a decade was an outstanding success due in large part to our generous sponsors,” said Laura Katzenmeyer.  “My favorite moment of the morning was seeing each person with Down syndrome receive a medal and have their moment to be celebrated. Everyone needs to know they are wonderfully made and have purpose. I am thankful we were able to spend a morning celebrating people with Down syndrome and reminding them of just that.”

Laura Katzenmeyer and son Graham showing off his medal

Buddy Walk® is the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.  Approximately one in every 772 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – about 5,100 each year.  Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

Through efforts like this from the Katzenmeyer family and support from organizations such as FLOCK, we can make a significant difference in the quality of life experienced by those with Down syndrome.

The Katzenmeyer Family L-R:  Laura and Graham, daughter Lilly, and Alan