CINCINNATI, Ohio — Thousands are expected to hit the trails this weekend to help anyone with down syndrome in one of the largest walks of its kind in the country.

What You Need To Know

  • The 'Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati' is hosting the 'Buddy Walk' for people with down syndrome 

  • 15,000 walkers are expected to take the mile-long walk through Cincinnati's Sawyer Point and help raise money for the organization

  • Families affected by Down syndrome say it has helped provide support for their families 

Carson Engels is an energetic three-year-old who likes to run, likes to talk, and enjoys dancing with his little sister. He is also his parents’ reason that they walk.

“We do every year since Carson was born,” said his mom, Abby Engels. 

He was born with Down syndrome.

“Immediate tears. I knew the diagnosis that came with Down syndrome, and that’s what scared me more than anything. Heart problems, belly problems are pretty common in kids with Down syndrome,” said Engels. 

The Engels family said it’s the support that’s been helping them get through the challenges.

“I think Carson wasn’t even a week old when we had people from the states and reach out and we immediately made friends through their some of the people we met through the Down Syndrome Association,” said Abby Engels. 

That’s why every year they sign up for the Buddy Walk, that helps support people with down syndrome.

“The money goes toward support, resources, extensive outreach, advocacy and hundreds of programs throughout the year and we serve thousands of families and the community right here in Cincinnati,” said Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati spokesperson Krissy Vinson. 

Vinson is getting ready for the Saturday event. It’s a mile-long walk through Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point that’s expected to bring in thousands of walkers and donations. 

“This year we are expecting 15,000 people at the Buddy Walk. Cincinnati is the largest buddy walk in the entire nation,” said Vinson. 

The Engels family is one of them. They’ll be walking to support a better future for families affected by down syndrome.

“I’m just so thankful for them and thankful for Carson for bringing us into this world, I mean, we wouldn’t know half of the friends that we have today if it wasn’t for Carson and his down syndrome,” said Engels. 

The ‘Buddy Walk’ will kick off in Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point park on Saturday at 10 a.m.

For more information, or if you'd like to get involved, click here.