Belleview preschooler gets her big moment

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Posted October 15, 2021 | By Rosemarie Dowell
Special to the Gazette

The third time is the charm for Riley Belcher of Belleview.

Riley celebrated her fifth birthday Tuesday and will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida’s (DSACF) upcoming 23rd Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.

The preschooler, who happens to have Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes developmental and intellectual delays, was originally set to lead the advocacy and awareness walk in 2019, but Tropical Storm Nestor delayed that event by several weeks and Riley’s family was unable to attend.

Last year, Riley, who attends South Ocala Elementary School,was again slated to head the walk, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DSACF virtually hosted the walk instead.

“She finally gets to be the Grand Marshal and we’re very excited about it,” said Jennifer Belcher, Riley’s mom. Belcher and her husband of 12 years, Colin, also have another daughter, Olivia, age 10. “She gets the chance to be a little celebrity for the day.”

The Step Up Walk, the DSACF’s largest fundraiser of the year, and one of the largest Down Syndrome awareness walks in the State of Florida, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 16, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando.

The walk is expected to draw several thousand participants and held during October as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It coincides with others across the United States. Roughly one in every 800 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome.

“The walk is a wonderful celebration of the Down syndrome community,” said Belcher, a native Floridian. “It’s a time to come together, meet new people and make new friends.”

Riley, who enjoys the outdoors, listening to music on Cocomelon and playing with her sister and Barbie dolls, is also this month’s cover model for Family Times Magazine, a local publication. Her picture was featured last month on the New York City Jumbotron for the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk as well.

“Riley is an amazing kid,” said Belcher, 36, who works for The Villages Health. “No matter how bad of a day I’m having, she has this superpower ability to just make me smile.”

The Belchers found out Riley had Down syndrome after getting genetic test results a week after she was born. It was a shock because tests and ultrasounds during Belcher’s pregnancy were normal.

“After she was born, the doctor came in and said, ‘I’m sorry, but we think your daughter has Down syndrome,’” said Belcher. “I cried and cried and prayed it wasn’t true.”

But something changed the next day.

“Colin and I decided that no matter what the outcome of the test, Riley was our baby and God gave her to us,” said Belcher, who had been told by specialists that she couldn’t have another child. The Belchers asked their pastor to pray over them because they wanted another child and soon, Riley was on the way.

Even so, for months after Riley’s birth, Belcher struggled with her daughter’s diagnosis. Her husband, a stay-at-home-dad didn’t.

“He was fine with it all along; but finally, when she was a year old, I was at peace,” said Belcher.

“She is truly a gift from God,” she said. “She a blessing and brings so much joy into our lives and everyone she meets.”

Still, being the parent of a child with special needs can be daunting, especially when other children meet milestones ahead of their loved one.

“I still have my moments of weakness; it’s not easy seeing other kids doing things Riley doesn’t,” said Belcher. “But that doesn’t mean she won’t ever do them; it’ll just take a little longer.”

Belcher said her family is excited about Saturday’s fall-festival-themed event, which includes the one-mile walk around Lake Eola, entertainment, a fun zone with inflatables, vendors, fall treats, and a community awards presentation.

The non-profit organization’s fundraising goal this year is $260,000. Monies raised support the various programs and services of the DSACF, which covers eight counties in Central Florida, including Lake, Marion, and Sumter. Founded in 1991, the DSACF has a membership of well over 1,200 families.

Teams such as Team Isaac, Stella’s Stars, and Mae’s Minions will compete to see who can raise the most money.

Riley’s Rockstars will be there too. To contribute to Riley’s team and help the DSACF reach their goal go to: dsacfbuddywalk.donordrive.com/team/5239.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone, especially new families.” said Belcher. “I love having the opportunity to talk to people about Down syndrome and Riley.”