The Clinton Down Syndrome Walk (formerly known as the Buddy Walk) was established in 2012. Two mothers of Down Syndrome children began this journey together: Randi Newland, mother of Weston Reed Newland born in 2010, and Kristen Fish, mother of Connor Matthew Fish, born in 2007.

After Kristen moved out of state, Darla McJunkins joined the Buddy Walk team. Darla is a long-time member of the Clinton community and the mother of a daughter with Down’s. Together, Randi & Darla have continued the Buddy Walk project, with a goal of promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Down Syndrome and bringing the Down Syndrome families and the community together to honor their “buddies.”

In 2018, the Buddy Walk became formally incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit as Clinton Down Syndrome Walk, Inc.