Meet Us at the Sharing Down Syndrome Walk in Tempe on April 18

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18, 2026, because the Sharing Down Syndrome Walk Fundraiser is back, and so are we. The team at Phelps LaClair is proud to be part of this incredible event, now in its 26th year. 

This is not just one of the best-loved events in Tempe. It is one of the most important fundraisers for the Down syndrome community in Arizona. Whether you have a family member with Down syndrome, you’re an advocate, or you want to support a cause that genuinely changes lives, we hope to see you there.

One of the Most Meaningful Events in Tempe

The Sharing Down Syndrome Walk Fundraiser draws more than 2,000 attendees each year, a testament to how deeply this community shows up for one another. It has become one of the can’t-miss events in Tempe, not just for families directly affected by Down syndrome, but also for businesses, advocates, and community members who believe in inclusion, dignity, and love.

The fundraiser benefits Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona, a nonprofit organization that has been supporting Arizona families since 1991. This organization has served more than 7,000 families across the state, and every program they offer is completely free. The walk is what makes all of that possible.

Here are the details for this year’s event.

Sharing Down Syndrome Walk and Fundraiser: “Let’s Glow!” 

(in partnership with World of Illumination)

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282

Agenda: Registration opens at 5:00 p.m. | Awards ceremony at 8:00 p.m. | Walk begins at 8:30 p.m.

Whether you register a team, donate, or simply show up and walk, your involvement will have a direct impact on the families this organization serves.

Why We Show Up for This Community

Phelps LaClair attends events like these because we believe that being a trusted resource means more than just having an office. It means showing up in person, building relationships, and standing alongside the families we serve. If you’re at the walk, come find us! We would love to meet you.

Special needs planning is one of the most personally meaningful areas of our practice. We are not just here to provide legal services. We are here because every family deserves to know that someone with real expertise is in their corner, and that planning for loved ones with special needs does not have to be overwhelming.

What You Should Know About Special Needs Trusts

Approximately 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome. Many individuals with Down syndrome participate in government benefit programs, which means that the estate planning decisions their families make have real, lasting consequences.

If you have ever wondered how to protect your loved one’s future without disrupting their government benefits, a special needs trust may prove invaluable.

Here’s a quick overview of how a special needs trust works:

• Assets held in the trust are not counted against benefit limits. This means the beneficiary can still receive SSI, Medicaid, and other programs they depend on.
• Although a special needs trust can’t be used to pay for living expenses like housing and food, it can pay for “extras” like therapy, education, recreation, and travel. 
• A special needs trust can be built into an existing living trust. You do not always need a separate trust; in most cases, a special needs provision is enough.

It’s important to note that the trust documents must be precisely drafted. Errors in language could disqualify your loved one from government benefits, so consulting a lawyer with experience in this area is essential. 

At Phelps LaClair, estate planning is all we do. We have helped hundreds of Arizona families establish special needs trusts that support their loved ones while preserving their benefits. If you would like to learn more, you can schedule a free consultation anytime.

Join Us on Apr 18, 2026 in Tempe

The Sharing Down Syndrome Walk is more than just a fundraiser. It is a declaration that every person with Down syndrome deserves to be celebrated, supported, and surrounded by community. We are honored to be part of that declaration.

Come walk with us on April 18 at Tempe Diablo Stadium. To register your team or make a donation, visit sharingds.org/share-walk.

And if you are curious about protecting your loved one’s future through estate planning, we would be glad to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at the location nearest you.

Original photos by Phelps LaClair, 2025. Used with permission.

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