Mikayla Holmgren is making history by becoming the first woman with Down
Syndrome to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant – which is also a first for the Miss USA pageant in any state. We celebrate her life to inspire others to dream big without limits.
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I was born at Tampa General Hospital in 1983; I was raised by my aunt, BJ, in Florida after my parents dropped me off at my grandmother’s house and never came back. School was hard for me. I was teased until I found Best Buddies in middle school. My bond with my middle school buddy helped me because I felt protected from everyone’s teasing and her friendship gave me something to look forward to every day...
New York City, October 6, 2025 – Best Buddies International hosted its inaugural Best Buddies Challenge: New York, presented by Jersey Mike's Subs and Wells Fargo. on Saturday, October 4th. Cycling legend and Tour de France Stage Winner Mark Cavendish served as Honorary Chair of the Challenge – a charity ride, run, and walk benefiting Best Buddies International.
Event Proceeds To Support Best Buddies’ Mission Of Inclusion For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities PALO ALTO, CA, April 15, 2025 – On April 11-12, Best Buddies International hosted the Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto, a charity bike ride, that commenced and concluded at the illustrious Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, CA. The event raised $2 million for Best Buddies programs.