The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware prepares to raise awareness and funds at the 2026 Delaware Down Syndrome Walk & 5K at Glasgow Park
Wilmington, DE — Life has been busy for the Breens, as they welcome a 12-week-old son into their family. However, the now family of four isn’t forgetting to make space for preparation for the Delaware Down Syndrome Walk & 5K, in celebration and support of their 19-month-old daughter, Emmie.
“We know how important fundraising is for all of the events offered to the Down syndrome community,” says Caitlin Breen, Emmie’s mom. “This year we were able to participate in a group play event with other members of the Down syndrome community. It was amazing seeing the joy in Emmie’s face as she explored the play space with her peers. We look forward to all of the future events she will be able to participate in with the support of all the fundraising the Walk does!”
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware’s 23rd annual Delaware Down Syndrome Walk & 5K—known as “the Walk” to long-time participants—will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Glasgow Park (2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702) from 10 AM – 2 PM. The event includes a timed 5K hosted by Fusion Racing, as well as a variety of free fun activities for the whole family, including face-painting, caricatures, performances, mascot appearances, food trucks, and more.
The main feature of the day is a celebratory 0.2-mile Awareness Loop at 12 PM. Community members walk in honor of friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers who have Down syndrome, holding banners and posters high and celebrating the many reasons to love the person with Down syndrome in their life.
In 2025, the Breens’ family and friends rocked Down syndrome awareness colors, blue and yellow, as they walked the Awareness Loop in honor of Emmie.
“Emmie is the most rambunctious little girl you will ever meet,” says Breen. “She is always doing something to make us laugh and she knows just how cute she is. Emmie has the most contagious laugh and knows how to bring a smile to the face of everyone she meets.”
Preparation for the DE Down Syndrome Walk & 5K begins months before the start of Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. Team “Emmielicious” was among the first to register for the Walk and begin their fundraising journey. In their second year of fundraising, the team has set an ambitious goal of raising $2,500 for the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware by Oct. 17.
The team journey culminates on the day of the event, where they set up a tent for their friends and family to hang out. They decorate the tent with posters, streamers, and photos that reflect the personality of their loved one with Down syndrome. Throughout the day, community members walk through a village of tents celebrating individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, making new friends and greeting old ones.
The Breen family’s 2025 tent, stocked with fuel for the day and decorated with all things Emmie
“We’ve met a lot of people along the way who know exactly how we felt when we got Emmie’s diagnosis, and it is comforting knowing there are people who were once in our shoes,” says Breen. “It’s been rewarding to see the amazing accomplishments of the individuals within the DSADE and that makes us look forward to watching Emmie grow up within this community.”
All funds raised by teams benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware’s mission to support families, promote inclusion, and encourage lifelong opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. From weekly exercise classes to summer camps, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware creates meaningful experiences for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across a lifetime.
All are welcome to learn more about the event and donate, sponsor, volunteer, or register here! The event is free to anyone who wishes to attend—please note that 5K registration is an additional fee.