Down Syndrome Assn.’s Buddy Walk: ‘More alike than different’

Rebecca Mattson is friendly and fun. She loves watching her two older brothers play baseball. She hosts tea parties for family and friends and is usually playing Disney or Nickelodeon games on the computer.

But there’s a mission the 11-year-old holds close to heart. The sixth-grader at Villa Park Elementary has spent the last decade promoting understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome.

Rebecca, who was born with the genetic condition, and her family participate in a walk every year to celebrate Down syndrome awareness and support programs and services benefiting individuals with the disorder and their families.

On Sunday, Rebecca, her parents and brothers joined more than 3,000 people on a sunny morning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim to walk a mile in the Costa Mesa-based Down Syndrome Assn. of Orange County’s 14th annual Buddy Walk. The event was created by the National Down Syndrome Society 18 years ago; more than 250 walks are held nationwide.

Rebecca drew 88 participants to her team, Rebecca’s Rebels, which placed third out of 145 teams for the number of walkers.

“It’s an amazing experience for people who are not associated with Down syndrome,” said Rebecca’s father, Tim. “The whole purpose is to raise awareness.”

Her mother, Janette, who has been president of the association’s board of directors for three years, said the organization serves 2,000 families in greater Orange County, including the Inland Empire and Long Beach.

“This event is a way for our families to unite in celebrating our loved ones with Down syndrome every year,” said Kellie Perez-Tuchowski, senior director with the association. “It’s so exciting,” she added, before reaching for the microphone to welcome the crowd assembled on the field.

As Perez-Tuchowski thanked the 48 exhibitors selling food and goods, a line queued for cotton candy at Ed Hackbarth’s stand.

Hackbarth, the 81-year-old founder of Del Taco, sported a red T-shirt reading “Rebecca’s Rebels” and served up the spun sugar while joined by his wife and two granddaughters.

Hackbarth, who knows the Mattsons through a friend, has supported the event for six years.

“This is fun for a great cause,” he said.

His booth raised $230.

As walkers satisfied their sweet tooth, Jamie Brewer, an actress with Down syndrome, known for her roles in the television series “American Horror Story,” posed for pictures with fans and congratulated the three biggest donors, led by team Jackson Jammers with more than $12,000. Family and friends of the team’s inspiration, Jackson Ricker, walked in memory of the boy, who died in July.

Minutes before the walk, the association honored retired teacher Laurie Stotz and teacher’s aide Alta Primus from Robinson Elementary in Rancho Santa Margarita with the Educator of the Year award. The women were nominated by the Unter family for their daughter Alexis’ scholastic success. The fourth-grader’s father, Dave, spoke of the educators’ role in boosting this daughter’s confidence and love of learning.

“They have the highest expectations of Alexis’s work,” Unter told the crowd. “Every child deserves a champion — a teacher who doesn’t give up on them. You’re an inspiration to our family.”

After a roar of applause, teams carrying signs reading “All Stars” and “Super Brian’s Sidekicks” marched out of the stadium at the sound of “Go!”

The walkers circled the perimeter of the stadium, passing the giant helmets outside the main gate.

Cheerleaders from Cypress High shook pom-poms.

“You’ve got this,” they shouted.

Participants cheered, high-fived each other and stopped to take team photographs.

The sidewalk served as a tarmac for a replica of an Air Force plane. It was wheeled to the location for the benefit of Olivia Munzner, a 4-year-old who has undergone three open heart surgeries.

She sat proudly in the pilot’s seat and was pushed around by three service members.

When the walk ended on the field, families visited craft booths, met with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Air Support Division, chatted with Anaheim Police Department officers and lined up for a cup of free yogurt provided by Irvine-based Yogurtland.

“We wanted to give back and thought this would be a nice idea,” said Alton Klein, director of design and construction at Yogurtland. Klein, who said the company has been doing this for three years, noted his friend’s daughter has Down syndrome.

Participants set up canopies on the fields where picnics could be held and event regulars could be reunited. Children threw Frisbees, jumped in bounce houses and danced to live music by two bands.

“The awareness at these events is meant to celebrate our children,” Janette Mattson said. “They’re more alike than different.”