Walnut Mom to Walk for Autism, Son Jordan

Walnut resident Karen Rivera, 31, knows about the obstacles and challenges of being a mother to a child with autism.

Her son Jordan Rivera, 9, was diagnosed with with the condition at five years old.

Rivera will channel her love for Jordan and her support of the autism community when she participates in the 11th annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks on April 20 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

April is Autism Awarness Month.

Rivera is expected to be one of 40,000 participants coming together to show their support for those who are autistic. Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks is presented by Vons.

This year marks the fifth one that Rivera will walk with Team Jordan, which continues to grow in numbers and support.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about one in every 88 American children, including one in 54 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk. The 2012 LA Autism Walk hosted 35,000 people, raised $1.8M at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and was the highest fundraising autism walk in the country.

For more information about Walk Now for Autism Speaks, visit http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1037427 or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeaks.LosAngeles?fref=ts http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1037427

Visit www.autismspeaks.org for more information about Autism Speaks.

--Courtesy of Walk Now for Autism Speaks