(Liverpool, NY – March 6, 2013) Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that the fifth annual Central New York Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on May 19, 2013 at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, NY. All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Central NY and beyond.
Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 88 children, including 1 in 54 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants in 103 cities across the U.S. and Canada to support autism research, awareness and advocacy.
Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique, offering a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a two to three-mile Walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism.
In addition to its national science and advocacy work, Autism Speaks has made a significant impact in the Central NY area. The organization has provided funding to innovative local service providers, including Onondaga Community College and Awesome Summer Days Camp through its Family Services Community Grant program. Autism Speaks science grants have supported research at local research institutions, including State University of New York, Upstate Medical University and Cornell University.
“Our Walk Now for Autism Speaks continues to grow thanks to the generosity and support of so many people in our community,” said Erin Mast, Central NY Walk Chair. “We are helping to advance science and awareness nationally, while also supporting the important work of service providers, researchers and clinicians in our community and communities across America. Once again, we are coming together to celebrate the joy our loved ones with autism bring to our lives, and to advance the effort to make life better for them and their families.”
For more information about the 2013 Central NY Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/centralny or contact 646-843-6665 or centralny@autismspeaks.org.