When Joby and Sheryl Hyman brought their daughter with Down Syndrome home from the hospital, the couple did not have any community ties to help them care for their child.

The two work in the health profession and had an idea of the medical side of Down Syndrome, but wished they knew more about the real-life, day-to-day details.

They had the opportunity Sunday to come alongside other parents dealing with the same challenges.

The Central Michigan Down Syndrome Society held its first annual Buddy Walk on Sunday in Chipp-A-Waters Park, 1403 W. High St., to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.

The Hymans formed the group last October, which has since grown to include 11 people with Down Syndrome and their extended family and friends.

“There was no support group north of Lansing,” said Joby Hyman, a Mount Pleasant resident.

More than 250 people participated in the one-mile Buddy Walk and later joined together under the park’s pavilion for food, face-painting and games.

Twelve different teams participated in the Buddy Walk and worked to raise money for the Central Michigan Down Syndrome Society.

“This turned out great,” Sheryl Hyman said. “We had a lot more of the community come than we thought, and many other people who don’t even know someone with Down Syndrome. Two nurses and a physician came from Petoskey just to show their support.”

Sheryl Hyman said she hoped that those who attended the event would walk away with a better understanding of the potential of those with Down Syndrome, and how these people can benefit society.

Sheryl Hyman said the money will be used to provide educational tools for new Down Syndrome parents, including a book with more than 50 personal stories.

“People sometimes forget to say ‘congratulations’ to these parents (on the birth of their child), and we want to do that,” she said.

Other funds from the walk will go to help send people to the Down Syndrome Society’s national conference.

Riverdale resident Amy Parks participated in the Buddy Walk with several of her co-workers from BioLife Plasma Services, 4279 E Bluegrass Road.

The BioLife team of approximately 40 people raised $450 for the cause.

“This really raises awareness of (Down) Syndrome and what families go through,” she said. “It brings community support.”

Mount Pleasant resident Carrie Smith said the event helped families to realize they are not alone.

“When you look around, there are lots of people who are dealing with this too,” she said.

Others in attendance hoped community members would understand how to better accept those with disabilities.

“People here are learning more about Down Syndrome and the kids affected, and that they’re not so much different from everyone else,” said Scott Lehmkuhle, a St. Louis resident.

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E-mail the author: Heidi Fenton