May 9, 2015: 6th Annual Western Connecticut Walk Now for Autism Speks

6th ANNUAL WESTERN CONNECTICUT WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS WILL RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR AUTISM ADVOCACY, RESEARCH AND SERVICES ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 AT WATERBURY LIBRARY PARK

THEME: AUTISM SUPERHEROES

Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the 6th annual Western Connecticut Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Waterbury Library Park, 236 Grand Street. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.

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 Connecticut.

Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children, including 1 in 42 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

The Western Connecticut walk (‪#‎WalkNowWCT‬) event is unique, offering a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a 1.5 mile walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, autism tool kits, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly. Join participants from New Haven, Litchfield, Fairfield counties, New York and Massachusetts on this family fun day.

• Andrew Cavanaugh and Ryan Tuohey are the walk chairs.
• Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary and Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty will be present on the stage.
• Amanda Raus of NBC Connecticut and radio personality Munchie of 95.7 FM are the emcees of the event.

The Walk theme is Autism Superheroes. A Jumbo Tron will be at the walk displaying tributes on the “Autism Heroes” board to people who are advocates to the autism community.

There will be great entertainment until noon including National Anthem singer Kaylee Jamieson, Magical Music singers performing songs designed for children with autism and special needs. Al “DJ ACT” Taylor of ACTJamsProductions.com is providing music and sound. Photography by J. Cop Photography and Scott Willis.

It is a family fun day with the Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, Lake Compounce Midway games, Dave & Busters Street Team, face painting by WAMS and Waterbury Career Academy students, Art by Betsy DeMarco, Gabe’s Twisty Bros. balloon shaping, The Great Sirico magician, Berkeley Knights drill team and drum corps, double-dutch, and Zumba by Denise Harwell. Many volunteers including students, Waterbury Police Explorers, Brass City Brawlers, Wilby High and Holy Cross High School cheerleaders and Target will be present.

Waterbury Fire Truck, Eversource truck, Hoffman Autism Speaks Truck will be on site. Snacks and water from KIND snacks, JHS Vending, Walsh IGA, BJs Wholesale Club, and Crystal Rock will be available for walkers. Please be advised we will not have any food accommodations for special diets. We ask that if someone in your party has a dietary restriction, please bring something for them from home. Food is not sold at this event.

We will have Waterbury police officers on hand and the roads will be closed off during the walk to car traffic for everyone’s safety. Free parking in the parking garages.

“We are looking forward to family fun awareness day at the Western Connecticut Walk Now for Autism Speaks which continues to grow and spread awareness”, said Andrew Cavanaugh, Walk co-chair. “We are thankful for the great support from our community and volunteers. We are proudly raising funds to advance science research and awareness locally and nationally.” said Ryan Tuohey, Walk co-chair.

“My husband and I started the walk six years ago. We are continuing to work together to spread awareness, advocate and make great strides toward improving the lives of people with autism and their families and that is a wonderful feeling”, said Helen Taylor, Autism Speaks Connecticut Community and Awareness Volunteer Chair.

The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants in over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada to support autism research, awareness and advocacy.

Thank you to our local sponsors: Shaker’s Family Ford, Lincoln and Kia, Law Offices of Brian J. Mongelluzzo, Eversource Energy, Carmody, Torrance, Sandak, Hennessey LLP, Frankies Hot Dogs and Wolcott Manor.

For more information about the 2015 Western Connecticut Walk Now for Autism

Speaks and the Autism Hero Board, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/wct or Lauren Amendola, Autism Speaks Connecticut Director, at 203.800.6490 or

lauren.amendola@autismspeaks.org

About Autism

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.