Jacksonville Families Shine in Times Square Down Syndrome Video

Local families with Down syndrome are part of a national showcase and a Buddy Walk that raised $300,000.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Special Needs

Wide photograph of a tree-lined park path with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, leading toward a calm river under soft overcast light. — Local families with Down syndrome were featured in a National Down Syndrome Society Times Square video, while a Jacksonville Buddy Walk raised $300,000 for the cause. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The National Down Syndrome Society featured Jacksonville-area residents in a 2026 video presented in Times Square, built from about 500 photos submitted by families. Among those shown were Ben, Ruby, Reed and Skylar, all from Jacksonville, and Caleb Prewitt, 19, of Jacksonville, was separately recognized for becoming the youngest person with Down syndrome to compete in the New York City Marathon.

Why it matters

For Jacksonville families raising a child or adult with Down syndrome, the video and the local Buddy Walk show how much community visibility and fundraising support exists in the area. The featured photos were gathered from family members across all 50 states and 12 countries, signaling a national network that local families can tap into.

The Times Square montage drew on roughly 500 family-submitted photos, including images of Ben, 18; Ruby, 17; Reed, 17; and Skylar, 8, of Jacksonville. The local Buddy Walk drew about 1,700 people and raised $300,000.

The players

National Down Syndrome Society

A national advocacy organization for people with Down syndrome that produced the 2026 Times Square video and runs the Buddy Walk program.

Caleb Prewitt

A 19-year-old Jacksonville triathlete who also runs a cookie business and became the youngest person with Down syndrome to compete in the New York City Marathon.

The details

Family members submitted the photos for inclusion, and the montage presented children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from every state and 12 countries. The montage also included Amy Taylor, 53, who died in 2024 of Alzheimer's disease, and Anna Block, 38, both of whom lived in Tequesta; their names were submitted by Sarah Block of St. Augustine. One photo of Ben, Ruby and Reed was taken at their April prom, and all three are seniors at the North Florida School of Special Education.

Amy Taylor died of Alzheimer's disease in 2024.
Ben, Ruby and Reed attended prom in April, and the photo was later submitted for the video.
The Buddy Walk was held locally in fall 2026, raising $300,000.
The Times Square Down syndrome video was presented in 2026.

The Home Front

Families in the Jacksonville area are part of a national network of Down syndrome households, reflected in a video drawing on submissions from all 50 states. Local fundraising through the Buddy Walk, which raised $300,000, underscores how community-based support complements the services families arrange at home.

If your household includes someone with Down syndrome, consider reaching out to a local Buddy Walk organizer or the National Down Syndrome Society to learn about upcoming community events. Keep a current folder of photos and documents you may want to share with advocacy groups or school programs.

The takeaway

Local visibility and community fundraising can be a meaningful support for families navigating Down syndrome at home. Consider joining or supporting a nearby Buddy Walk to stay connected to these resources.