Autism Speaks and Marcus Autism Center held the 5th Annual Walk For Autism Speaks at the Georgia World Congress Center Sunday. The walk received 15,000 participants and raised $500,000 for the two organizations that are dedicated to autism awareness, advocacy, family resources and research.
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States. “In Georgia, every 1 in 98 children is diagnosed with autism,” said Don Mueller, executive director of Marcus Autism Center. “Spreading awareness and fundraising for autism allows [Autism Speaks and Marcus Autism Center] to take part in research and provide resources that can help families diagnose their kids at an earlier stage.”
Early diagnoses are advantageous as children can begin therapies at an earlier age allowing them to be successful in the future. Julia McNamee, of Roswell, walked with her family and friends for her son, Jed, 3. “I came out to support this walk because my son has two therapies a day, and to finally see him making strides such as catching a ball or saying his name were really big moments,” said McNamee, who sought resources at the Marcus Autism Center when her son was diagnosed last year. Team Jed raised over $4,000 toward the grand total.
Whether it’s donating money, getting involved with the organizations or becoming an advocate, the avenues to volunteer are always open. “People can volunteer wherever their strengths are,” said Tracy Wilbanks, regional director of Autism Speaks. “But, where we need help is advocacy in the national and state legislature to not only help renew the Combating Autism Act, but to have the Georgia [legislature] push for health insurers to cover autism treatment.”
Walk Now For Autism Speaks has raised more than $3.8 million and expanded to 90 walks across the country since its founding in 2006. Autism Speaks has grown to become the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Marcus Autism Center, founded in 1991 by The Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, serves more than 4,000 children every year.
To volunteer with Marcus Autism Center and Autism Speaks, visit www.autismspeaks.org and www.marcus.org
In other news: Ted's Montana Grill, Comcast, Sportsman Channel and Mule Deer Foundation hosted a Hunt.Fish.Feed event on May 18 by serving lunch at Wheat Street Pantry in Atlanta. CNN founder Ted Turner, his son Beau Turner and Ted's Montana Grill co-founder and CEO George McKerrow, Jr. donated 50 lbs. of bison and Mule Deer donated 50 lbs. of venison to the event that served more than 250 of those in need. Started in 2007, Hunt.Fish.Feed uses game meat and fish donated by sportsmen to combat hunger across America.
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