The Spina Bifida Association of Indiana hosted its seventh annual Walk-N-Roll event Sept. 22 at Lions Park in Zionsville. The event raises money to support Hoosiers with spina bifida through research, scholarships, education and more. In addition to taking a lap around the park, kids enjoyed face painting, met fairy princesses and Sparky the Fire Dog, played with therapy dogs provided by Love on a Leash and rode in Corvettes provided by members of Corvette Indy. The kids also had the opportunity to pet exotic animals, from armadillos to owls, provided by Silly Safari. Photographers participated to give the kids a way to remember their day, which included games such as giant Jenga and Connect 4. The event raised nearly $30,000 and was supported by 60 volunteers and attended by 288 guests. For more about the Spina Bifida Association of Indiana, visit sbain.org. For more photos, visit flickr.com/photos/12221948@N06/sets/72157701453871064.
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The Spina Bifida Association of Indiana hosted its seventh annual Walk-N-Roll event Sept. 22 at Lions Park in Zionsville.
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Sparky the Fire Dog shakes hands with “roller” Jack Mead. (Photos by Brad Thompson)
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Addyson Wooldridge from Lafayette was determined to cross the finish line walking on her own.
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A big part of the event is the Parade of Champions. Prior to the main walk, all of the kids proceed individually through a parade route lined with parents, friends and supporters who cheer them on. Lyjah Cox participates.
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A spina bifida sufferer, Maddie, died in 2014 at age 20. Although it's been four years, Paula Strauss still comes to the events with a picture of Maddie in her hospital bed. She brings along her crew from Maddie Smiles, a nonprofit they created in Maddie's memory. Maddie Smiles is dedicated to spreading smiles by performing and encouraging random acts of kindness. Maddie Smiles distributed snow cones during the event. The group is accompanied by four dogs dressed as minions.
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At the end of the event, the team hands out prizes in a raffle. Johah, left, and Angela Harris hang onto their prize basket of Family Fun.
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Angie Cat of Silly Safari brought several exotic animals, including a Burmese python called Paulie that the kids got to pet. Silly Safari’s mission is to create positive human/animal interactions that inspire responsible pet ownership and wild animal conservation. Based in Indianapolis, the organization shows animals at more than 3,000 events a year.
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The volunteers of Love On A Leash gathered with their therapy dogs to bring joy to the kids. A therapy pet's primary function is to brighten someone's day. Therapy pets and their handlers visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools to provide emotional support.