"What's wrong with Alexis?" This is why we walk.

Alexis and I had the privilege this past March of talking to a few hundred 3rd graders for the "Everybody Counts" program in the Noblesville Schools. One of the questions asked at some of these talks was, "What's wrong with Alexis?" And I was very glad that I could tell them, "There's absolutely nothing wrong with Alexis."

Having Down syndrome doesn't mean there's something wrong. It's not a disease. Nobody caused it. You can't catch it. Down syndrome just happens to be something that Alexis was born with, just as she was born with fair skin, blond hair, her daddy's blue eyes, her mama's terrible vision, and a smile that melts the hearts of everyone in our family.

And we walk because we want people to understand that. We wouldn't change anything about our little girl. Alexis is a normal and healthy little 2 year old girl who adores her brothers, is curious about everything in every cupboard and drawer of our house, loves spaghetti, throws her cheerios, yells when she wants our attention, loves to sing and dance, and happens to have Down syndrome. To us, Alexis is perfectly Alexis.

This isn't to say that we don't have challenges. Who doesn't? People with Down syndrome often have accompanying medical issues: heart defects, hearing loss, low muscle tone and delays. And thanks to Down Syndrome Indiana, people with Down syndrome and their families have lots of support at their fingertips.

Blake, Lexi and Nick all ready for the Buddy Walk 2010

The Buddy Walk raises money for Down Syndrome Indiana, an organization that provides information, support, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families. We will be walking on October 8, 2011 at Celebration Plaza-White River State Park (It's only 2.6 miles. So short you could walk it in stilettos.) and we welcome anyone to come and walk with us. We would love for you to join our team, Lexi Lou's Whos, and we appreciate any donation you can make. No donation is too small. If you are able to make a donation or want to register to walk with us, you can contact me or go here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/lexilou2011/downsyndromeindianas14thannualbuddywalkr.