Missoula Buddy Walk Committee

The Missoula Buddy Walk Committee began in 2000 with just 3 women interested in bringing the Buddy Walk to Missoula, Montana. Mary Ann McGowan, mother of a remarkable 1½ year old son with Down Syndrome, Danny, gathered volumes of information about starting Buddy Walk. Mary Cross, new mother of Josie, a shining infant girl with Down Syndrome, joined with interest. Aided by our Family Support Specialist, Mandolyn Hume, from Child Development Center, the idea to have a walk in Missoula was sparked.

Baby steps took big leaps as friends and sponsors joined the organization of a walk for September of 2002. In 2002 and 2003 the Buddy Walk Committee included Dawn Ward, Beckie Peterson, Deb Greer, Jennifer Harper and Judi Calahan. Today the committee continues to grow.

Our vision to create awareness, acceptance and a welcoming atmosphere in the Montana region and to raise funds through corporate sponsorship has been a huge success in the past two years. We are working toward a quality event that far exceeds our community's expectations again this year. A big thank you to all on this committee and our sponsors for your incredible effort in making Missoula Buddy Walk such a highlighted, signature event!!

Please view a list of Our Sponsor Buddies.