APRIL 19, 2015 AT DORAL CENTRAL PARK
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Miami division of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its 2015 Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on April 19th, 2015 at Doral Central Park, formerly JC Bermudez Park. Autism Speaks will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary at the event, where over 28,000 supporters are expected to attend. Proceeds from the walk will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness of autism, fund innovative research and family services, and advocate for the needs of people with autism and their families.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children – and 1 in 42 boys. Autism Speaks addresses the needs of families with free online tool kits, as well as resources for education, housing, and employment. The majority of Autism Speaks’ funding goes toward research into causes and treatments of the disorder.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraisers for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of volunteers in more than 100 cities across North America.
Each Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is unique to its city.
The Miami Walk will include opening ceremonies featuring our Founders and lifetime honorary chairs, Bob and Suzanne Wright, presentations by elected officials and performances by children on the autism spectrum. Other highlights of the day include a two-mile walk, meet & greets with Miami’s sports teams’ mascots and cheerleaders, and the largest autism community resource fair, providing families with “one-stop shopping” for educational options, therapists, recreational programs, child-friendly activities, and other vital services.
Autism Speaks already is having a significant impact on the Miami area. Through its Family Services Chapter Grant Program, Autism Speaks has awarded funding to innovative service providers such as Karen Peterson & Dancers, Fundacion Ventana de los Cielos, Schoolhouse Academy, and Beth David Congregation.
Miami’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks is helping fund vital services and innovative ideas that improve the quality of life for people in our community,” said Arturo Osorio, 2015 Walk Chair, “We’re eager to support that crucial work by researchers, service providers, and medical experts, both close to home and all across the country.”
Sponsors of the Walk include: South Florida Ford Dealers, Brightstar Corp, Sedano’s Supermarkets, City of Doral, IMUSA, Charles Schwab, BDO, MasTec, Greenberg Traurig, Publix Super Markets, TD Bank, FPL, DHL, Assurant, FedEx, Mercantil Commercebank, Cindy & Mike Moran, Patricia & Robert Cambo, Butterfly Effects, Florida National University, Johnny Rockets, Ryder, Baptist Health South Florida, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Beckman Coulter, UM CARD, Tate Enterprises, SunTrust, Nory’s Home Services, FirstBank Florida, and NY Life Insurance.
For more information about the Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit: WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
