GALENA, Ohio — For years, Carl and Beth Gelfius dreamed of becoming parents. However, like many other couples struggling with infertility, it didn’t come easy.

After enduring a roller coaster of emotions and multiple rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), their prayers were finally answered with the news they were expecting a baby boy.

But along with that joy, came an unexpected phone call. Their son, who they’d already named Jude, would be born with Down syndrome.

“At first it was a shock,” Beth said. “I didn’t know what to expect. We had waited so long for this blessing, and suddenly there was so much uncertainty.”

Her physician helped ease the worry, reminding them of all the wonderful things individuals with Down syndrome can accomplish.

Carl, a doctor himself, immediately began researching and quickly connected with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO).

That connection changed everything.

Just months later, before Jude was even born, the family attended their very first Columbus Buddy Walk. It’s DSACO’s largest annual fundraising event which culminates with a big celebration the day of the walk.

“When we walked in there, we had no idea what to expect,” Beth said. “It’s emotional just being at the Buddy Walk. It was the first time that we really knew that whatever came our way, we could face it.”

Now five years old, Jude is thriving and full of personality.

“He brings us so much joy, so much love,” Beth said with a smile. “Yes, he can be stubborn, but he’s taught us what really matters in life.”

But Jude’s life hasn’t been without challenges. After birth, he was in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 54 days before coming home. He’s had eight surgeries, including heart surgery at just four months old, three hip surgeries, a hand surgery and an eye surgery.

“He’s so special and I just want to protect him. If I could carry him in a little bubble, you know, I would,” Beth said.

But through every hospital stay, DSACO has been right there — offering care packages, educational programs and, most importantly, a community of parents walking the same road.

“When I think of DSACO, just how they have been there for us and how our life experiences would probably be very different if it weren’t for them. Both in how they directly affected us, but then they kind of paved the way and changed things for not only Jude but our entire community,” Beth told 10TV.

As the family looks ahead to this year’s Buddy Walk, they say they are grateful for the support that helped them through their most difficult days and are proud to give back to the organization that gave them so much.

The Gelfius family’s advice to other parents facing the same diagnosis? Simple, but powerful:

“Find your community because with support, you can face anything.”

DSACO is that support for many families here in central Ohio who have a child or loved one with Down syndrome. It urges the community to make a donation or sign up for the walk.

The 2025 Columbus Buddy Walk is Sunday, Oct. 5, at Fortress Columbus in Obetz. The fun starts at 9 a.m.

More information about the walk is available on DSACO’s website here.