Chattanooga Buddy Walk Celebrates Inclusion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 2025 Chattanooga Buddy Walk brought thousands of families, advocates, and supporters to First Horizon Pavilion this weekend, celebrating individuals with Down syndrome and the power of community.

The event featured music, food vendors, games, face painting, and the popular “Buddy Strut,” where individuals with Down syndrome are highlighted and cheered on by friends and family. 

Jenna Hazelet, who is the Board President of Down Syndrome Community of Greater Chattanooga, said the turnout shows how committed the community is to inclusion and support for families across the region.

“The Buddy Walk is a true celebration of all individuals with Down Syndrome. You can’t walk in without having a smile on your face and allowing individuals to get up on stage during our Buddy Strut and just be themselves and let their personality shine, it really just shows us and shows the world and how incredible they are,” Hazelet told News 12.

When asked why the Buddy Walk was so special to Hazelet and her family, Hazelet explained that the “walk to me is an incredibly important event. This is my son Wesley. He is five years old, about to be six, and for my family, when we found out that he had Down Syndrome, it was a very scary time.”

“It was an unexpected diagnosis, and the community here surrounded us with so much love and acceptance and just said, ‘hey, we’d love to be there for you’. We want to wrap our arms around you and show you that it’s not as scary as it might seem.”

Organizers confirmed that the walk raised more than $50,000, which will support DSCGC’s programs, grants, outreach, and family services throughout the year. 

The organization provides resources, support groups, educational tools, and community events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. 

It is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States, affecting roughly one in 700 newborns. 

With advances in healthcare, early intervention, and inclusive education, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and participating more fully in school, work, and community life.

The Buddy Walk is part of a national initiative from the National Down Syndrome Society, designed to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and bring communities together across the country.