Triad Community Stepping Out to Improve Lives of Individuals with Autism
Greensboro, NC (PRWEB) August 15, 2016 -- The Autism Society of North Carolina will hold its 8th annual Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, Sept. 24. 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 more than $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 1-mile run/walk.
The Beale family of Greensboro enjoys the chance to celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with their community. “All these folks are experiencing on some level what we are going through,” said Jenny Beale, mother of Gavin, who is almost 6 and has autism.
The family’s team, Gavin’s Gang, has raised more than $6,000 in just two years. “It’s a testament to Gavin, really. He’s a bright light,” Beale said. “It’s just a testament to how much people love him.”
Beale said they feel fortunate that Gavin is doing so well after struggling as a toddler, and they want to help other families who might not know about resources that are available from the Autism Society of North Carolina, which improves the lives of individuals with autism, supports their families, and educates communities. “I just know that there are so many people that aren’t as lucky as we are. It feels good to do something.”
The fun event will also include music, refreshments, and a vendor area that will showcase local businesses, service providers, support resources, and sponsors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to one out of every 59 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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