Decked out in pink, hundreds came together to raise money for those living with Down Syndrome. Hosted by Rockin’ It With Ruby—a non-profit in Springwater that began in 2019—there was a sea of pink on Sunday afternoon as families gathered in support of the cause. Children and their families could be seen walking and running throughout the winding trails at Springwater Provincial Park. Ruby Cordua is a young girl with Down Syndrome and the group was started by her mother Ashley Cordua. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. The organization services families across Ontario that have a child with Down Syndrome. It provides bursaries to families, as children with Down Syndrome require specialized care and medical support that can be costly. Ashley says the walks are important as her organization is not government-funded. She tells CTV News what she wants people to know about people with Down Syndrome. “They are to be treated with kindness just like everybody else and that the sky is no limit for some of these kids,” Ashley says. “These kids can do what everyone else can.” Ashley was surrounded with volunteers who echoed what she said. “They’re no different than just people without Down Syndrome, that they should be treated the same and looked at the same,” says one of the volunteers at the walk. Ashley has a message for parents who have children with Down Syndrome. “I would say, welcome to the lucky few, is what I would say,” Cordua says. “Ruby is the biggest blessing our entire lives. We wouldn’t trade a thing.” Ruby was all smiles. “All my friends are here,” Ruby tells CTV News. “We’re going for a walk.” Three hundred people were in attendance and the walk has raised $10,000 and counting. Rockin’ It With Ruby hosts various events throughout the community with this one being their biggest of the year.
