Alabama, Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy – hosted its inaugural A-Day Autism 5K Saturday and runners flocked to the event from all around the county.
Opelika-Auburn News reported that the event included a 5K, one-mile Fun Run and activities for children and their families. 68 people pre-registered for the race and another 15 registered Saturday morning.
LCARA secretary Laura Squiers said:
“A lot of the reason we do this is to let the families come out,” Squiers said. “It’s about more than just having the fundraiser. It’s bringing everyone together and celebrating Autism Awareness Month.”
Kathleen Nolan-Kasal of Malverne, N.Y. ran to show support for her daughter and her friends’ children in the 5K Saturday.
She said:
“I live up in New York and I have a daughter with Down Syndrome and I have friends who have children with autism. So I’m running for the exercise and to support a great cause.”
Kathleen added that there are a variety of groups and organizations in New York that support families of children with disabilities. She said in any community, such organizations are an asset to these families.
“It is the underserved community, so anything that will promote and show that people with different abilities can be treated and supported the way anyone else can, I’m all for,”
The original article by Kristen Oliver in the Opelika-Auburn News can be read here