More than 200 members of the Texarkana Down Syndrome Society participated the organization's third annual walk at in Spring Lake Park Saturday.
Brittany Rogers, one of the society's board members, said that the last two walks were held closer to Halloween, but this year, the society decided to hold it earlier in the month because of the good weather.
Rogers said this year's walk brought 21 walking teams - a few teams more the they have had during the last two annual walks.
"If you count all the families, friends and spectators, we probably have more the 300 out at the park this year," Rogers said.
Last year, the society raised about $10,000 and this year. Rogers said they are hoping to raise at least that much or more. She added that the money raised goes toward publishing informational literature regarding down syndrome as well supporting other awareness events the society has planned for the rest of the year.
"Besides the walk, the teams members can participate in dancing and pumpkin painting this year," Rogers said. "We also use the funds to support a library of books we have that focus on Down Syndrome."
In years passed, Down Syndrome was thought to strike infants whose mothers gave birth to them after age 35 - however more recent research on the condition, show that a mother's age doesn't actually play a factor, Rogers said.
More recent studies show that Down Syndrome is caused by a genetic condition and pre-natal testing can show parents weather or not the infant has Down Syndrome before the baby is born," she said.
Roger said the society plans to continue holding their walk at Spring Lake Park for years to come.