By Staff Writer: Shawna Hamilton
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Roswell recently hosted their annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. This year in honor of Teresa McCreary, who passed away in February. This event is a fundraiser for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. Babies born with an extra chromosome in the 21st pair have Down Syndrome, resulting in developmental delays and intellectual disability. Roswell is fortunate to have had a mother, Teresa McCreary, whose son Keagan was born with Down Syndrome. She attended various functions around the state and country to learn as much as she could to create a system of support for individuals with Down Syndrome in Southeast New Mexico. In 2005, she hosted the first Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome. Thanks to Teresa, there is a Down Syndrome Foundation of Southeast New Mexico office in Roswell. The Buddy Walk has since changed its name to Step Up for Down Syndrome, but the goal is the same. The Foundation provides knowledge, guidance, and support to families impacted by Down Syndrome. This is an awesome cause to participate in. The Down Syndrome community is full of love and support.