It is a long ride from Fayetteville, Ark., to Jacksonville, Fla.
It is much longer when the ride is on a bicycle, though. The Thompson family, all 10 of them, is making the trip on bicycle as part of their “D-Tour” to raise awareness for Down syndrome.
Toby Thompson and his wife, Kathy, decided to take their eight children on this cycling tour in honor of their son, Jonathon, who has Down syndrome.
Toby Thompson said, “The tour we’re on is for Down syndrome, primarily, but what it’s really about is talking about the value of each person.
“In our society it seems like a lot of times we put such an emphasis on models, good looks, athleticism, academics, and those aren’t bad things, but a lot of times I think we value people based on what they’re wearing instead of who they are.”
Toby Thompson said raising a handicapped child is more difficult but well worth the effort.
“These kids, sometimes we look down on them,” Toby Thompson said. “The staggering statistic at this point and time is that 90 percent of people that find out their child will have Down syndrome decide to abort.”
He hopes the “D-Tour” will help to lower that number. “Jonathon has qualities that are significant above other people, and that’s the way he is. He’ll give a hug to almost anybody,” Toby Thompson said.
Family members take turns cycling and resting in the vehicles following the cyclists. Toby Thompson said he has loved the scenery and people he has seen along the almost 600-mile trip so far. He figured Laurel was probably just about the halfway point of the family’s journey.
Kathy Thompson said, “Toby kind of mapped out where we would go, about 80 miles every day. From there we worked on contacting the chambers of commerce and Down syndrome groups whatever we could find in those places to stay.”
The trip is long, but the positive message his family is spreading makes the ride go a little smoother for Toby Thompson.
“Is there an intrinsic value to people? I believe there is. It’s not just based on how much money you make or what car you drive,” Toby Thompson said.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo/Brandon Fincher
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Photo/Brandon Fincher
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