Bay Girl Travels to the Big Apple for Times Square Appearance!

Jane and her dad, Chris, take in Jane’s picture on the Big Screen.

Jane James, a second-grader at Normandy Elementary School in Bay Village, traveled to “The Big Apple” last weekend for the NYC Buddy Walk® and to see her photo displayed on the Jumbotron in Times Square!

The Buddy Walk promotes acceptance and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome.

It was truly a weekend to remember for Jane and her parents, Christa and Chris, as the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) held its 30th NYC Buddy Walk® on Saturday, September 7. The events this year brought together more than 2,500 people to raise awareness and funds for Down Syndrome.

The day began in the bright lights of Times Square with the annual NDSS Times Square Video presentation featuring images of more than 500 people with Down Syndrome from all over the world. Jane, 7, was one of the beautiful individuals featured on the big screen!

Following the Times Square Video presentation, participants headed to historic Central Park where the annual Buddy Walk® and other festivities took place.

Jane was born with a congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot and had undergone two open heart surgeries by the time she was 8 months old! However, in true ‘Jane’ style it hasn’t slowed her down! Jane loves swimming, dancing, singing, music, movies, soccer, and playing with her friends at school and in her neighborhood!

The National Buddy Walk® Program includes nearly 150 events in the U.S. with even more participants across the globe raising hundreds of thousands globally.

If you have had the pleasure to meet Jane, you already know that this spunky 7-year old is extraordinary! Her smile and her spirit are truly contagious!

The NYC Buddy Walk® is the flagship walk held annually and hosted by the National Down Syndrome Society, an organization that empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions.

Jane had a great time at the walk and exploring NYC with her Mom and Dad. Many family and friends, including her big brother and little sister, watched the live stream of the event and cheered her on from home!

Here’s a look at some of the great sights and sounds of the city they took in. Jane’s photo was shown on the Jumbotron in Times Square Sunday morning. “Jane is exhausted but had a great time!” said her mom, Christa on Monday after arriving home in Bay Village.

It was a weekend to remember for 7 year old Jane James and her mom and dad as they traveled to New York City for the 30th annual Buddy Walk hosted by the National Down Syndrome Society.