The First Annual “Kyle’s Heroes – Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness” was held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Theodore Roosevelt Park. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Anthony Macagnone was on hand to present a town citation and to congratulate Ty and Diane Jimenez, who created Kyle’s Heroes and named it in honor of their 2-year-old son Kyle Jimenez, who has Down Syndrome.
It was a family affair, with everyone helping. Kyle’s brother, Dylan Jimenez, 13, is a student at Oyster Bay High School and he led the walk, pushing his brother Kyle’s stroller ahead of him, setting a good pace for the group as they ambled along the Oyster Bay harbor seawall path and back to the boathouse for lunch.
Dylan is interested in being a movie director and is making films with friends already. “He’s very creative,” said Diane Jimenez.
Dylan said he was surprised at how big the turnout was on Saturday. The new boathouse was filled with about 150 people.
Ty Jimenez, the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company’s 1st assistant chief, said, “These guys are true brothers.” He said when he needed support, they were there to give it.
He also thanked his brother firemen for opening up their new headquarters for the very first time for the walk to benefit the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS) Early Intervention Services.
The event started at 11 a.m. as people signed up to walk and listen to some amazing music by Ray Melograne Jr. There were snack foods to nibble on, some inspirational talks, including one by Pastor Dennis Bambino of the Christian Family Fellowship who said that Ty is one of their members. The group meets in homes. Then the walk began along the seawall of TR Park and back to the boat house for a lunch of sausage and peppers and more.
Kyle has a Facebook page – Kyle’s Heroes, where you can see the 2-year-old up close and personal. He was at the official dedication of the boathouse on Sunday, Nov. 15, smiling broadly. His dad said that, since June, they have raised plus or minus $15,000 for ACDS.
