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Ashley Hayes ReportingThis weekend at Murray Park 1,000 people are expected to walk or run for a special cause.
Saturday, the Salt Lake Down Syndrome Chapter is holding its 10th annual Buddy Walk.
Five days a week Lisa Kingsbury gets up and gets her daughter ready for pre-school. Like any four year-old Abby already has a good idea of what she likes and what she doesn't, but unlike most children her age, Abby can't verbalize what it is she wants.
Lisa Kingsbury: "They say typical children, it takes them 500 times to learn a word after they hear it, and with kids with disabilities, it's more like a thousand."
Abby is one of hundreds in the Salt Lake area living with Down Syndrome.
Lisa Kingsbury: "They're a lot more like us than they are different from us."
It's that message Kingsbury, as the president of Salt Lake's local Down Syndrome chapter, hopes to spread at this Saturday's 10th annual Buddy Walk.
Treating Abby no differently from her other children, Kingsbury takes Abby through the morning's routines. That involves brushing hair, getting dressed and heading out to meet the bus.
At William Springs Elementary, assistants are waiting. Inside the classroom, Abby's teachers say she participates like anyone else.
Abby is one of five children with disabilities in her class. They say her interaction with children is positive for everyone.
Jeralyn Moncur, Pre-school teacher: "Oh, they love her. This is why it's so good for all children, because they become accepting."
And if, through the Buddy Walk, more people can learn to accept Abby and the hundreds more like her, then Kingsley's organization will have served its purpose.
You can meet Abby at the walk, she'll be performing with a dance group. It takes place Saturday at Murray Park.
