Albuquerque boy’s photo lights up Times Square

An eight-year-old New Mexico boy’s photo was displayed in the National Down Syndrome Society’s video presentation in Times Square on Saturday. Bodhi Candelaria, of Albuquerque, was one of 500 people featured in the presentation, which drew from more than 2,700 photos submitted from around the world.

Bodhi’s image was selected through the National Down Syndrome Society’s worldwide call for photos. The presentation represents people with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries.

Bodhi’s mother is the vice president of the board for the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network. She said the moment is about more than seeing her son in New York.

“She also works to create that kind of visibility in New Mexico as vice president of the board for the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network,” the report stated.

From Albuquerque to New York City, Bodhi is showing the world more of what makes him, him.

The presentation kicks off Buddy Walks happening across the country. The New Mexico Buddy Walk will take place next Saturday at Expo New Mexico.