Southern New England Walk for Williams Syndrome

Walpole, May 10, 2014: Individuals with Williams syndrome have extraordinary gifts and
unique challenges.  But not enough people
know that.  During a full month of
activities in May, volunteers for the Williams Syndrome Association will work
hard to inform our community and others across the country about Williams
syndrome.

 As part of the
WS Awareness Month, Walks for Williams
will take place in locations throughout the country.  As many as 10,000 people are expected to
participate.  Locally, a walk serving
Southern New England will be held at Francis William Bird Park in Walpole, MA
on May 10th from 9am-noon.  Four mothers
of children with Williams syndrome are organizing the Southern New England
regional walk: Nanci Walsh of Walpole, MA; Dawn Low of Mansfield, MA; Jillian
Daniels of Cumberland, RI; and Jillian Nickerson of Pawtucket, RI.  They will be joined by many volunteers
including friends and family members to help "spread the word" about
Williams syndrome and raise critical funding for research programs.  

 In addition to the Walk, activities at the
event will include music by Danielle Bayer, a magician, face-painting and a
tent of raffle prizes including luggage, a Kindle Fire, an American Girl doll
and Red Sox tickets among many other wonderful items. Those who register for
the Walpole Walk by April 19th will receive a free t-shirt. Walkers
can also register at Bird Park on May 10th at 9am and a limited
number of t-shirts will be available for purchase. The Walk will begin promptly
at 10am. The general public is invited to come by Bird Park from 9am – noon to
cheer on the walkers, enjoy the free entertainment, and take a chance on
winning a raffle item while learning more about Williams syndrome.

 Featured on
20/20 and MSNBC, Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at
birth and can affect anyone.  It is characterized by medical problems,
including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. 
These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social
personalities and an affinity for music. 
Williams syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated
20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States. Unfortunately, as many as half of
these individuals may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.  The disorder is known to occur equally in
both males and females and in every culture. 
Proper diagnosis is critical to acquiring the medical, therapeutic and
educational treatments and strategies that dramatically improve the life of an
individual with WS.

 Children with
Williams need costly and ongoing medical care, and early interventions (such as
speech or occupational therapy) that may not be covered by insurance or state
funding.  As they grow, they struggle with things like spatial relations,
numbers and abstract reasoning, which can make daily tasks a challenge.

 The Williams
Syndrome Association is the most comprehensive resource for people and families
living with Williams syndrome, as well as doctors, researchers and educators.  The WSA provides resources, support and the
latest medical information to help children with WS today and throughout their
lives.  Awareness week activities will
also help fund the Williams Syndrome Association’s medical emergency fund,
which provides financial support directly to families for expenses associated
with costly medical procedures for their children.

 Local
residents are encouraged to come out and support families affected by Williams syndrome.
 If you would like more information about
this event, please contact: Nanci Walsh (nanci.walsh@comcast.net) or Dawn Low
(dawn.m.low@gmail.com) or visit www.williams-syndrome.org/walpole.

 For more
information about Williams syndrome visit Williams-syndrome.org.