Middle School Student To Be “Self Advocate Ambassador”

The NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) has chosen Matthew Castellano, to be this year’s “Self-Advocate Ambassador” for the New York City “Buddy Walk” in Central Park. Matthew is a 7th grader at the Garden City Middle School and attends Camp Anchor in Lido Beach, NY. Matthew and his team will be walking for his beloved camp Anchor staff counselors, Michael Mulhall, Jamie Malone and Paige Malone who were in a fatal car accident on July 15th, 2010 on their way to Camp Anchor. He will lead the walk along with celebrities, John C. McGinley from the TV show “Scrubs,” Chris Burke from the former TV show “Life Goes On” and several others. Together they will salute the amazing event participants who have raised money and awareness in support of individuals with Down Syndrome.

Help kickoff the NYC Buddy Walk in Times Square where 200 photos of individuals with Down Syndrome from all over the world were selected from thousands of photo submissions for the 2010 NDSS Times Square Video. The Times Square Video will be shown on the “MTV Plasma Screen.” NDSS will provide transportation from Times Square to the NYC Buddy Walk site at “The Great Hill” in Central Park.

Opening ceremony is at 12:00 and our very own, Matthew Castellano, will get on stage with his dance instructor, Sawandi Wilson, to perform.

Walk starts at 12:30 (1 mile) Fun in Central Park - until 3:00. Relax and have fun on “The Great Hill” in Central Park with games, refreshments, music and entertainment! Carnival games, face painting, golf clinic, parachute games and other activities will be available free of charge.

Matthew’s webpage is “MATTHEW CASTELLANO’S CLAN” - kindly register online at http://buddywalk.kintera.org/nyc

Any questions, please contact Liz at 516-313-3984.

Come walk with us in honor of Michael, Jamie and Paige who were such an incredible part of our children’s lives!!!