Chicagoland Buddy Walk 2025


Hi Reader!

For many years my family and I have participated in the Chicagoland Buddy Walk. Since the pandemic, we haven't gotten back into it.

This year, we’re back!! 🎉 But not in our usual way…

As some of you know, my oldest daughter has Down syndrome and autism. She’s now 20 years old, which means our family has stepped into a new season—caring for an adult with special needs. While this feels normal for us, it’s definitely a different journey than the typical American family.

That brings me to what I’ll actually be doing at the Buddy Walk this year!

I shared more about our story and my book launch in a live youtube video—watch it here:

video preview

And if you’d like to support the cause, here’s my fundraising page: https://charity.pledgeit.org/ChiBuddyWalk2025/@ValerieM

This year is especially meaningful because I’ll also be launching my brand-new Emergency Care Guides at the walk! These guides are designed to help families like mine navigate the unexpected with peace of mind and practical tools.

You can find all 4 books on my author page here:

https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thishouseyourhomevalerie

On October 12th only, both Care Guides will be on special sale in honor of the Buddy Walk—so mark your calendars!

If you’re local, I’d love to see you at the Bolingbrook Golf Course. Stop by, say hello, and join us in celebrating inclusion, awareness, and community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. 💙💛

Warmly,


Join me on social....Valerie M, Re-design Specialist

Follow me on Pinterest....​this HOUSE | your HOME with Valerie

Check out my blog site.... www.thisHouseyourHomeValerie.com

Shop on Etsy... thisHOUSEyourHOME - Etsy


Top Products Created for You

this House | your Home with Valerie M

I'm a REALTOR with a degree in architecture and passion for design. I'm here because I believe everyone deserves to live in a home they love. Whether that means finding a new house or renovating the one you are in. I'm here for you! I am a mom of four (2 girls, 2 boys) who keep me REALLY busy. I also really enjoy gardening and my 2 dogs. After a variety of careers there are two passions I keep coming back to, architecture and sharing helpful information. I love helping others get inspired and do those projects in their home that will make them happy. I’ve always had big dreams to make interior design accessible to everyone. I am beyond excited to be here with you! Be inspired to create your dream home!

Read more from this House | your Home with Valerie M
The holidays naturally bring “extra”—more stuff, more people, more plans. So the goal isn’t perfection; it’s preparation.

Hi Reader! Hi friend, As we roll into the final month of the year, I hope you're finding little pockets of calm, joy, and maybe even inspiration as you settle into the season. I’m so glad you’re here. Download the December Home Maintenance Checklist now! December Checklist.pdf this HOUSE | your HOME ✨ Quick Housekeeping Note Before we move into the new year, a tiny bit of behind-the-scenes maintenance… Over the next few weeks, I’ll be tidying up my subscriber list. The tricky part? Many of my...

Hi Reader! I’m beyond excited (and a little emotional) seeing this small business milestone come to life. Every order, every review, every message means the world. The 100th order is getting a surprise gift as my way of saying THANK YOU — and truly, this celebration belongs to all of you who’ve supported my dream. Every click, share, and purchase has helped me grow a dream that started at my kitchen table. Thank you for believing in small businesses, for loving home design, and for supporting...

Hi Reader! I’m thrilled to share that this HOUSE | your HOME Etsy Shop is about to reach its 100th Etsy sale! As a thank-you, I’ll be gifting something special to my 100th customer — maybe one of my favorite digital bundles or a surprise mailed goodie. WILL IT BE YOU?!?! https://thishouseyourhome.etsy.com If you’ve had your eye on a planner, design guide, or printable, now’s the perfect time to grab it and join the celebration! Excited for what's next, P.S. If you haven't checked out my new...