History

The Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society was created by parents of a child with Down syndrome in the Paris area in 2004.  The purpose of the organization was to reach out to other parents of children with Down syndrome in the area.  The first organized event of the organization was the 2004 Red River Valley Buddy Walk, held on October 8th, 2004.  235 walkers attended the event and helped to raise $7,000.

Since then, the organization has grown to service over twelve counties in northeast Texas and southeast Oklahoma.  In 2007, the 4th annual Buddy Walk was held in Paris with almost 500 walkers and raising $27,000.  Also in 2007, the National Down Syndrome Congress recognized the Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society as its Parent Group of the Year. 

In the summer of 2007, the organization also opened its Down Syndrome Resource Center in Paris.  The center serves as a location for meetings, workshops and a learning/computer lab.  The center also houses the organization's lending library and is available to members to use for personal use upon approval by the board.