The Run for Holland 5K was organized by Adam and Brooke Burleson to raise awareness for parents who have had or are having a child born with a physical or mental disability. It developed out of the couple’s desire to educate others after a genetic test discovered that the baby they would be having had a high chance of having Down syndrome. Support from those around them led them to embracing their child, Holland, as a gift from God. Their 5K and 1 mile fun run was held on April 26th at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, NC. There were 305 participants in the 5k and roughly 40 in the 1 mile fun run! Of the event, they say, “Our prayer is that [the Run for Holland] will raise awareness about Down syndrome and other special needs in our community. We want others to know that they are not alone on their journey to Holland; there is support and resources available if you find yourself on this path.”
The Buddy Walk for the High Country was conceived by Melissa Lewis, who lives in Ashe County and has a child with Down syndrome. Of the diagnosis, Lewis said, “I saw that my own family was pitying me and what our lives now would entail. I got in the shower that evening and cried for about an hour straight. Then I decided that Down syndrome was like every other syndrome or disease in the world, it is what you make it be.” Over time, Lewis got more and more families involved in the event, which showed the community that people with disabilities were “just like everyone else”. The event became a huge success, bringing in around $14,000 with 300 volunteers, and looks to be even better for the second go around in the fall. Reflecting on her journey, Lewis shares, “Now people in our community don't look at us with pity, they look at us as a family that is raising awareness and that are doing something to change the face of Down syndrome. We have made some lifelong friends from having the Buddy Walk for the High Country. “
After attending a Buddy Walk, another parent and advocate for people with disabilities, Brooke Hollar, created an event of her own. Her son, Henry, was born with a diagnosis of Down syndrome, but Brooke promised that she would be his biggest advocate, saying, “I did not look at Henry and see Down syndrome; I saw a little human being. A lot of people today look at people with disabilities and see their disability and not remember that they are a person that God created just like me and you. I knew after having Henry I would be his biggest advocate, so I got started!” Brooke took time to educate herself and others about Down syndrome and spread awareness by having a celebration for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. The event, which was held in Watauga County, was backed by local organizations and churches and turned out to be a huge success with over one hundred people coming for the first year and double that the second year! It included games, refreshments (many of which were catered by the supporting organizations), and this year, a talent show was put on by people with disabilities. When speaking of her event, Brooke shared, “I will continue this event every year! I will support anything that advocates inclusion of people with disabilities into our communities! I am very interested in connecting with families of kids with DS and I also want to help provide support to new parents getting the diagnosis.”
Adam and Brooke Burleson during race
