Plenty of families and children participated in the second annual Village Angels’ Walk for Autism on Saturday at the Polo Fields.
Prior to the walk, which was coordinated byVillager Sally Gage, participants enjoyed entertainment as well as the free breakfast provided by Dunkin Donuts.
Ralph and Dawn DiNome gave a live performance while Clown Alley amused the children. T-shirts were handed out with the quote “I want to understand and be understood,” a desire expressed by Eli, grandson of Village Angels member and sponsor, Martha Bryant.
“We are very happy that even in news media, Autism has been a topic of discussion,” said Bryant. Contributing to the awareness of Autism, Bryant has been a speaker on early intervention for Autism.
Discussing the importance of early detection of Autism, Bryant explained that speech therapy, ABA educational programs, and structural learning environments are then established to help the child grow and develop.
Relatives with Autism accompanied many of the participants in the walk, such as Ann Hensley of the Village of Sanibel, who was accompanied by her granddaughter. Hensley’s 27-year-old granddaughter Laura also resides in the Villages and works at T-J Maxx.
Nancy Hooper of the Village of Chatham was another walker. She was accompanied by her 5-year-old grandson Kendrick along with his family from Lecanto.
Shortly before 10:30 a.m., all participants lined up at the start while the crowd cheered them on as they took off on the one-mile walk.
All proceeds generated from the event go to the Villages Angels and Autism Speaks to help fund for more research and therapies.
