Hannah Halfen Angels

Welcome to our Houston Buddy Walk page! We are participating to show our support for our child and more than 400,000 other individuals with Down syndrome in the U.S.  

Hannah's Story

We had no idea prior to her birth that Hannah had Down syndrome (DS). The day after she was born, the doctor told us that he suspected it, but wasn't sure. He explained that she showed some of the physical traits, but not all. So to confirm the doctor's suspicion, a blood sample had to be sent to London for analysis. The results weren't known to us for almost 3 weeks. Needless to say, those were the longest 3 weeks of our lives, yet also the blurriest in my memory. But we remember clearly receiving the phone call giving us the news that the test was positive for Down syndrome.

We immediately started researching everything we could about DS. While some of the material was useful in providing factual information, it didn't take us long to realize that no printed material was going to prepare us for the journey on which we were about to embark. Fortunately for us, that journey has been amazing, and our guide, a blessing.

Through the years, we came to know just how special Hannah is. It takes a special person to open the eyes and warm the hearts of others around her. It takes a special person to cause others to care more, not only about her, but about everyone affected by someone with special needs.

Today, Hannah is 19, still surprising us, still being special.  She just completed her 13th and final year as a Girl Scout, and wrapped up her other volunteering activities through her participation in National Charity League. 

And most importantly, she just graduated from high school this year!

Hannah has more BFF's than anyone I know. She loves listening to music and "just chilling" (her words) in her room, like most teenagers, and having father-daughter dates on the weekends, unlike most teenagers, which I of course love about her.

One of the things that we enjoy doing is participating in the annual Buddy Walk, which we have been doing since 2007!

The Buddy Walk is the premier advocacy event for Down syndrome and is the world’s most widely recognized public awareness event for the DS community. The Buddy Walk has three primary goals: (1) To promote acceptance and inclusion of people with DS, (2) To locally raise funds for DSAH and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs, and (3) To enhance the position of the DS community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice.

DSAH continues to promote awareness through community outreach programs, monthly support meetings, semiannual educational conferences, and social events for the DS community. DSAH has been a part of the Houston community for 50 years and has assisted thousands of families by offering support to new parents of babies with DS, assisting parents with challenges related to medical, therapeutic and educational issues, and working with educators and medical professionals. DSAH is committed to improving the lives and opportunities afforded to all persons with Down syndrome.

Proceeds from the Houston Buddy Walk will benefit DSAH, whose mission is to provide lifelong education, support, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the communities they live within. DSAH envisions a society where individuals with Down syndrome are valued, included, and empowered to fulfill their personal goals and aspirations.

Make your tax-deductible donation today and take the first step toward helping us achieve our goal. Thank you for your support!