Triad Community to Step Out to Improve Lives of Families Affected by Autism
Greensboro, NC (PRWEB) August 26, 2015 -- The Autism Society of North Carolina will hold its 7th annual Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, Sept. 26. Runners and walkers of all ages participate in this fun family event, which starts at 9 a.m. on the campus of UNC-Greensboro.
Last year’s race raised a record-breaking $53,000 as more than 600 participants, volunteers, and a variety of businesses from across the Triad joined to improve the lives of those affected by autism.
The Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism will include a 5K race and a recreational 1K run/walk. Major sponsors for the event are the VF Corporation and Dick Broadcasting Company, which owns radio stations Rock 92 and 107.5 KZL.
The event also gives families a chance to celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with their community during a day of fun with music, refreshments, and a vendor area that will showcase local businesses, service providers, support resources, and sponsors.
The High Point University men’s lacrosse team, which has participated in the Run/Walk for all four years of the team’s existence, will attend again. “We’re excited. Our guys look forward to it every year,” said Associate Head Coach Pat Tracy. “Our guys really do enjoy being out there. They enjoy supporting the cause and supporting the community and the families.”
In four years, the team has raised almost $8,000 to support individuals and families affected by autism in the Triad.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to one out of every 58 children born today will be diagnosed with some form of autism in North Carolina. Proceeds from the Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism will fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). In the Triad community, ASNC provides:
• Autism Resource Specialists to guide families through caring for their children throughout their lifespans
• Training for teachers, medical professionals, and direct-care staff so they have the most effective, up-to-date autism research and methodologies
• High quality, direct-care services that meet the unique needs of individuals with autism in home, work, and community settings
Please visit http://www.greensbororunwalkforautism.com or call 800-442-2762 to register, join a team, form a team, sponsor, donate, or volunteer.
Background:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. As many as 1 in 58 children may be diagnosed with ASD in North Carolina, according to a prevalence study by the CDC of 8-year-old schoolchildren.
• For more than 45 years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services.
• Additional information is available by calling 1-800-442-2762 or by visiting http://www.autismsociety-nc.org.
David Laxton, Autism Society of North Carolina, http://www.autismsociety-nc.org, 919-865-5063, [email protected]
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