What a beautiful day we had for Walk Now For Autism Speaks on Sunday, August 19. This was the 6th Annual walk in Cleveland at Voinovich Park. Walk events are to help raise money to fund research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism and to also bring awareness. The Cleveland Walk is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Cleveland Clinic, Rainbows Babies & Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals, Galvin Therapy Center, and many more.
I look forward to this event every year. This is a place where we are all the same. I see so many affected by this disorder in all shapes and sizes. Autism does not choose race or religion; we all share the same story and live the same life. This event has many resource booths which are very helpful for those just being diagnosed and embarking on a new journey. Face painting, balloon animals, bouncy house, and so much more, along with a beautiful view of Lake Erie, make this event a special annual treat for all who attend.
As the walk begins, there is a sea of people supporting their loved ones by wearing team shirts and holding banners. As I have a child with autism, having friends and family as a support system is so very important and, on this day, I had both. A huge thank you for all those came out and supported our son and this great cause, as I know people have such busy lives but took this day to share with us.
Our fundraiser for the walk started at the Troy Homecoming with a raffle on Saturday, August 18, and Sunday August 19 with the generous help of our friends who donated gift baskets and gift cards. A huge thank you to Gail Hejduk and my mother-in-law Hildred Armstrong who personally helped at our booth and took time out of their schedule on Sunday while we attended the Autism Speaks walk.
The raffle will continue as a wrap around event in Claridon at my mother-in-law’s yearly garage/yard sale. The dates for that event are Thursday, August 30 through Saturday, September 1 at 12532 Claridon Troy Rd. All proceeds from the raffle go to Autism Speaks. Winners will be drawn Monday, September 3 on Labor day.
I am honored to be involved with such a great organization as Tom and I both participate on the Cleveland Walk committee. We will also participate in the Canton Walk Now for Autism as well as the first dog walk “Bark Now For Autism Speaks” at Holden Arboretum in Willoughby, Ohio on October 27. There is a $30.00 registration fee to walk with your dog. If you choose not to bring a dog, the walk is free. There will also be a dog Halloween costume contest. Visit the website. Registration time is 9:00 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Anyone who wishes to have a booth at the dog walk may do so for a $50.00 fee. This is a great opportunity for any local dog organizations, pet sitting, grooming, training, etc. Please contact me with any questions. jasons_ma@yahoo.com
Author: Rachel Dannemiller
Rachel is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She is married to Tom and has a son Jason, and a dog named Harley. Rachel and her family are devoted to bringing autism awareness to the community and they are organizing the local Autism Speaks event in Burton this year.