DOWNERS GROVE – Three-year-old Nico Brito and his family are still basking in the afterglow of excitement since attending the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk of 2019 in New York City's Times Square.

Nico, a Downers Grove resident, was invited to help launch the event after his picture was chosen from thousands of special needs children. The “Chicago Proud Team Nico” T-shirts that his fundraising team wore were designed by Nico’s uncle, Roy Uy, owner of One-P Apparel in Chicago.

Not only was Nico featured on the big screen in Times Square, but his team came out on top with its fundraising effort, raising $9,400 for education, research and other needs associated with Down syndrome.

The day after the walk, Nico joined his parents, Jacqueline and Socrates, and baby sister, Ellie, at the One World Observatory for a reception that included refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with board members and others affiliated with the Down Syndrome Society.

“Nico feels like a little celebrity,” Jacqueline Brito said. “Many people in our community began to recognize him after all the media coverage and the ABC Channel 7 News report, including a follow-up story which aired the day after the event.”

Since then, the congratulations and invitations have flowed. The Brito family was invited to participate in the 2019 Bonfield Express 5K Run/Walk, which will be on Thanksgiving in Downers Grove. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Main Street and Grove Avenue. Nico will take the lead as the race starter.

On Oct. 23, the Britos participated in Building Bridges at Hillcrest Elementary School in Downers Grove. The program works to build relationships between families with children who have special needs and the school community through the Downers Grove District 58 PTA Council.

The title of the presentation, “Partnering with your Education Team,” gave Nico’s mother the opportunity to meet other presenters, provide input on the presentation and serve as a co-presenter.

Nico also was asked to model for the School Specialty catalog. He will be featured in the winter catalog, which will be released early next year.

“Nico is enjoying all the excitement and attention,” Jacqueline Brito said. “He’s so friendly and sociable, and he got so excited when he recognized us on the news. People even noticed us at the airport when we were boarding for New York, and again when we returned home to Downers Grove.”

The Brito family is overwhelmed by the attention and support they’ve received.

“It’s pretty amazing that, a little over three years ago, we were concerned about what challenges might be in store raising a special needs child, and yet here he is, our little celebrity, involved in a great cause and helping educate people about his disorder,” Jacqueline Brito said. “We are so very grateful for the local outreach and all the new opportunities coming our way. We feel so embraced by this close-knit community after living here just two years. Our family is all smiles now.”