Ace Sturm Featured in Times Square Buddy Walk Broadcast
A one-year-old from West Virginia joined thousands in New York City to celebrate the Down syndrome community.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Special Needs
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Ace Sturm was showcased on a prominent Times Square jumbotron during the 32nd annual National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. The event drew thousands of attendees to New York City to promote inclusion and community awareness.
Why it matters
The annual event provides families with direct access to local support resources and advocacy networks. It serves as a vital platform for connecting families with community programming and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome.
The National Down Syndrome Society hosted its 32nd annual Buddy Walk with thousands of participants in attendance. This event series is part of an ongoing national effort to foster inclusion for individuals like one-year-old Ace Sturm.
The players
Ace Sturm
A one-year-old boy featured in the National Down Syndrome Society campaign.
National Down Syndrome Society
A national advocacy organization dedicated to the support and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.
The details
The event featured large-scale portrait broadcasts to highlight participants in the heart of the city. Families such as the Sturms engaged in vendor activities and organized meet-and-greets to establish connections with local support systems. The family spent 45 minutes in Times Square awaiting the broadcast, which serves as a visual marker for the national advocacy movement.
Timeline
September 12, 2026, marked the 32nd annual Buddy Walk event.
Health Landscape
The Buddy Walk is a long-standing initiative that reflects a shift toward community-based advocacy and public visibility for those with genetic conditions. It remains a central pillar in the broader landscape of support services for families navigating life with Down syndrome.
Families navigating Down syndrome can utilize these events to find local support resources and peer networks that may aid in long-term care planning. Discussing community integration with a primary care physician can help identify which advocacy groups provide the best regional assistance.
The takeaway
Large-scale advocacy events offer families a practical way to connect with the broader support community. Tracking the schedule of future local walks can help your family engage with ongoing advocacy and resource-sharing opportunities.
What happens next
The Sturm family has identified plans to attend upcoming statewide Buddy Walk events in Charleston, West Virginia.
Further reading
For resources and advocacy connections, visit our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtap.
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