The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) sponsors dozens and dozens of Buddy Walks® across the country to celebrate people with Down syndrome. One of the more notable Buddy Walks® takes place in Central Park in New York City and John Cronin, the co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, joined the festivities.
“I never miss the New York City Buddy Walk®,” said John. “Seeing all those people come together for people with Down syndrome is so much fun and so wonderful.”
The NYC Buddy Walk®
This year’s Buddy Walk® moved to the Bandshell in Central Park and featured music, dancing and encouraging speeches in addition to the walk. The Grand Marshals, Macy Avis and Malik Jabbaar, led the fun. (John Cronin served as the Grand Marshal in 2018.) Mia Rodriguez sang the National Anthem. Arik The Rapper from Jacksonville, Florida provided some of the entertainment and Chris Wragge from WCBS New York served as the Master of Ceremonies once again.
John had the honor of helping carry the NDSS Banner to lead the walk and proudly collected his medal for completing the walk challenge. John spent the day greeting fans and thanking supporters of the walk.
John’s Crazy Socks Supports the NYC Buddy Walk®
John’s Crazy Socks was one of the sponsors for the NYC Buddy Walk. We staffed a table at the event so people could get their Down syndrome-themed socks. John’s parents, his bother Patrick and colleague Andrew Neter, our Lord of the Socks, helped throughout the day.
“All day, people came to our table to check out our socks and say hello,” said John. “I took pictures with people and thanked them for their support.”
Down Syndrome Awareness Socks
John Cronin designed and created the world’s first Down Syndrome Awareness Socks in 2017. Since that time, John has designed many new Down syndrome-themed socks and products, including throw blankets so that John’s Crazy Socks now has a full line of Down Syndrome Awareness products. John’s favorite socks are the Down Syndrome Superhero Socks. Come holiday time, John’s Crazy Socks creates a holiday Down Syndrome Super Box that has products made by companies led by or employing people with Down syndrome.
We donate money from the sale of those socks and products to the National Down Syndrome Society.
John’s Crazy Socks offers a Buddy Walk® sock that raises money for the Buddy Walk® Program. John never misses the NYC Buddy Walk®.
About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
TheNational Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment.
NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visitwww.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $650,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
