Autism Speaks Walk to be Held in Nashville

By Jeaneane Payne

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville will be filled with over 2,500 walkers and a lot of spectators when the 4th annual Nashville Walk Now for Autism Speaks event occurs on September 10, 2011.

The event is a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. The organization raised almost $26 million in 2010 to support autism research, awareness, and advocacy.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious development disability in the U.S. and is diagnosed in 1 in every 110 children.

The Autism Speaks event offers a safe and fun day for families impacted by autism. The day includes a two to three-mile Walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true "one-stop-shop" for families affected by autism.

"Thanks to tremendous community support and the work of our wonderful volunteers, our Walk Now for Autism Speaks event has grown each year, and we expect to expand the ranks of both walkers and donors in 2011," said Kathy Streng, Regional Director, "In addition to raising funds and awareness, the Walk is a chance for families to come together and enjoy a day of laughter, hope and community. Working together, we find the missing pieces."

For more information about the 2011 Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks, please visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/tennessee.

Published August 18, 2011