Coastal Bringing Up Down Syndrome (BUDS)

We believe that every child has the right to be accepted in their community and have similar opportunities as that of their peers. Our mission is to support, connect and provide resources and opportunities for people with Down syndrome and their families in Southeastern North Carolina. By raising awareness and educating our community we help others include and clearly see the value of people with Down syndrome.

We provide welcome bags to families whose child has a new diagnosis of Down syndrome (we deliver bags to new parents once they have been identified); we have a parent support group to provide parent trainings, support to one another, mommy’s night out and other activities; we have a Next Chapter Book Club that we sponsor for teens and young adults that meets in Brunswick County; we have quarterly family get togethers (i.e. 3/21 World Down Syndrome Day event, End of Year Celebration, Family Picnic); our High Hopes, Emerson High Heart Fund when a child has been identified as requiring a hospital stay due to congenital heart defect or heart surgery we get them a VISA gift card to help offset ancillary expenses associated with the hospital stay. All open-heart surgeries are done out of our area.; Our newest program, iCan Swim is an adapted learn to swim program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The annual Cape Fear Buddy Walk is held each October and is our largest awareness and fundraising event.