GLOBAL Joins the Celebration at the 30th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

   

The GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) was proud to participate in a day of celebration and community at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk hosted by the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This year marked the event’s thirtieth anniversary, a milestone that highlighted 30 years of advocacy, connection, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Colorado.

GLOBAL and Affiliates from the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health gathered as “Team Sophia”, supported by a generous sponsorship from the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation. For more than 20 years, the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation and Michelle Sie Whitten have been active supporters of the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association, a commitment that began with the birth of Sophia Whitten in 2003.

“Team Sophia is super important to me as the first Ambassador of GLOBAL,” says Sophia Whitten. “Having fun at the walk was my favorite part! There’s an amazing group of people that show up to bring the community together.”

The morning was filled with unforgettable moments as Sophia, Michelle, and our GLOBAL Family gathered to connect, celebrate, and support one another. From the smiles and laughter shared along the walking path to the uplifting energy felt throughout the event, the day served as a powerful reminder of the strength of our community when we come together.

Together, “Team Sophia” raised $14,000 to support the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association in funding family and education programs, community groups and events, and advocacy initiatives.

The Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is not only a celebratory event; it also serves as an important annual touchpoint for GLOBAL to connect with local self-advocates, families, and community partners. One of the day’s highlights was the Resource Fair, where attendees had the chance to engage directly with GLOBAL, our Affiliates, and associated programs, including the Regis University GLOBAL Inclusive College Program.

GLOBAL shared its best-in-class resources, including the Family Friendly Adult Guidelines and Prenatal & Newborn Pamphlet, while also highlighting meaningful ways for individuals and families to stay connected year-round. Among those opportunities was GLOBAL membership, which provides access to resources and supports GLOBAL’s important work. The Crnic Institute and Sie Center spotlighted the care offered for children and young adolescents at Children’s Hospital and encouraged participation in research studies on the Anschutz campus, including DS Connect.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated by walking, volunteering, or simply showing their support. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!

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