When the Manasota B.U.D.S. Buddy Walk takes place on October 25, every walker will have a personal story.
Mary Quaid is no exception.
“I’m a proud older sibling to someone with Down syndrome,” says Quaid, who is a new home sales associate with Neal Communities. “When my sister was born (May 2001) my parents came together with another family to create Manasota Bringing Up Down Syndrome (B.U.D.S.).”
Quaid says she attended meetings throughout her life, having the opportunity to meet with other families who had siblings that were around her age, and other children with Down syndrome.
“Getting older and becoming more involved emotionally and intellectually about what Manasota B.U.D.s provides to the community, I’d say it’s a passion now to show just how wonderfully normal my relationship with my sister is,” she adds. “We laugh, we bicker, she steals my clothes, I sometimes annoy her. Though there are some differences in our bond in comparison from what my peers or friends experience with their sisters, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Quaid brought attention to Manasota B.U.D.S to the team at her employer, Neal Communities, which operates Neal Communities Plan for Giving, which offers employees an opportunity to request financial and other support of organizations and events in which they have a passion. Through Neal Communities Plan for Giving, the company has donated approximately $9.2 million since its inception to local and regional nonprofits, not including contributions of land.
Over the years, Quaid has served a variety of roles with B.U.D.S., including assisting with digital marketing as well as Buddy Walk set up and day of set-up. Today, she is mostly focused on participating in the events with YADs (Young Adults with Down syndrome).
A grant from Neal Communities has given the YADS group an opportunity to create events and spaces to get together and celebrate each other’s wins and support each other through every day and big picture experiences.
“Everyone was able to come together more frequently, giving a chance for not only the young adults to come together, but also parents to share experiences, thoughts, and resources with each other,” Quaid says. “Almost all of the YADs are young adults that I have watched grow up and have a relationship with myself, so being able to see firsthand the benefits and joy of this grant from Neal Communities has been so heartwarming,”
The walk, which benefits Manasota BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome), will begin at 9 a.m. with a starting line at the Bayside Community Church, located on Route 64 in Bradenton.
Manasota B.U.D.S. is a non-profit volunteer-led organization which provides families with a neutral and supportive forum for sharing and networking, and to promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome. Its vision is to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome across the Florida Gulf Coast. To champion inclusion, awareness, and the well-being of the Down syndrome community.
“When my sister was born in 2001, all doctors had to give to my parents as ‘resources’ was a three-panel pamphlet,” adds Quaid. “There was nothing insightful or encouraging about what the future, let alone the next few days, would hold. Now, Manasota B.U.D.S. is able to welcome new families with baskets, open arms, answers to questions and support, as well as giving hospitals information beyond a three-panel pamphlet for new parents of a baby with Down syndrome.”
