Jacksonville Families Feature in Times Square Down Syndrome Video

The National Down Syndrome Society's 2026 video includes Jacksonville-area residents alongside a local marathon record for an athlete with Down syndrome.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Special Needs

Jacksonville Families Feature in Times Square Down Syndrome Video

The National Down Syndrome Society featured children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries in a 2026 video shown in Times Square, including Jacksonville-area residents. Caleb Prewitt, 19, of Jacksonville became the youngest person with Down syndrome to compete in the New York City Marathon.

Why it matters

The video puts local families and individuals with Down syndrome before a national audience, highlighting community participation and visibility for Jacksonville residents. Prewitt's marathon result adds a notable athletic milestone to the local story.

The video drew on roughly 500 family-submitted photos from participants in all 50 states and 12 countries. The local Buddy Walk attracted about 1,700 people and raised $300,000, while Prewitt, 19, became the youngest person with Down syndrome to finish the New York City Marathon.

The players

National Down Syndrome Society

The National Down Syndrome Society is a U.S. advocacy organization that works to promote the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Caleb Prewitt

Caleb Prewitt is a Jacksonville triathlete and cookie business owner who became the youngest person with Down syndrome to compete in the New York City Marathon.

The details

The 2026 Times Square video montage included images of Jacksonville-area residents Ben, 18; Ruby, 17; Reed, 17; and Skylar, 8, along with Amy Taylor, 53, who died in 2024 of Alzheimer's disease, and Anna Block, 38, both formerly of Tequesta. Sarah Block of St. Augustine submitted names and photos for the video.

2024: Amy Taylor died of Alzheimer's disease.
April 2026: Ben, Ruby and Reed attended their prom, a photo later included in the video.
Fall 2026: The local Buddy Walk drew about 1,700 people and raised $300,000.
2026: The Times Square Down syndrome video was presented.

Community Visibility

The National Down Syndrome Society's video follows its tradition of using large-scale public displays to raise awareness of people with Down syndrome. Prewitt's marathon result extends a growing record of athletes with Down syndrome competing in major mainstream events.

Families in Jacksonville with a member who has Down syndrome gain a visible national platform for their children and adults. Local Buddy Walk participation shows the event's scale and fundraising reach for anyone considering involvement.

The takeaway

Visibility campaigns and athletic achievements both expand public understanding of what people with Down syndrome can accomplish. Families seeking community involvement can look to local events like the Buddy Walk as a starting point.