Triangle Community to Step Out to Improve Lives of Individuals with Autism
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) August 23, 2016 -- The Autism Society of North Carolina will hold its 18th annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, Oct. 8. Runners and walkers of all ages participate in this fun family event, which will start at 9 a.m. in downtown Raleigh.
Last year’s race raised $260,000 as more than 3,500 participants, volunteers, and a variety of businesses joined to improve the lives of those affected by autism.
The Triangle Run/Walk for Autism gives families a chance to celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with their community. The Hamilton family of Creedmoor is looking forward to attending for a third year in a row.
“It gives us a chance to be with so many others on the spectrum,” said Emily Hamilton. “It is a whole day where you know there will be no judgment, just understanding. It gives all of us a chance to see representation of the entire spectrum and socialize with families just like us.”
Hamilton’s daughter, Abigail, is 9 and has autism: “Abigail says it is a day ‘I can just be me!’”
This year, the event will start from a new location, Halifax Mall, which will provide more open space for families, a flat start and finish, and more free parking.
The Triangle Run/Walk for Autism will include a USATF-certified 5K race, which is part of the Second Empire Grand-Prix Series; a 5K noncompetitive run; a recreational 1-mile run/walk; and a kids’ dash. The event also will feature amusements for children, music, and refreshments. Vendor space 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 Triangle Run/Walk for Autism will fund local programs of ASNC, the leading statewide resource organization serving people across the spectrum throughout their lifespans.
Please visit http://www.trianglerunwalkforautism.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 59 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.
• For more information, call 1-800-442-2762 or visit 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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