Charlotte, NC, October 4, 2008 -- Over 6,500 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends, joined together yesterday at Autism Speaks' Carolinas Walk Now for Autism to raise funds for critical scientific research and to increase awareness about the nation's fastest-growing developmental disorder, now diagnosed in one in every 150 children. The walk, which stepped off from Lowe's Motor Speedway, has thus far raised over $450,000 -- all of which will be dedicated to supporting critical scientific research into the cause of autism, better treatments and a cure -- for the national advocacy organization Autism Speaks.
Established in 2000, the Walk Now for Autism events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks and have attracted hundreds of thousands of walkers worldwide who have raised tens of millions of dollars for autism research. Last year's Carolinas walk raised over $380,000 and more than $26 million was raised nationally at walks held over 70 locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
"We are so grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this year's walk an unprecedented success, from the walkers to their sponsors, our incredible walk staff and many dedicated volunteers," said Jennifer Clancy, local co-chair of the Carolinas Walk Now for Autism. "Working together, we are moving ever closer to finding the cause, better treatments and a cure for autism spectrum disorders."
Toys "R" Us, Toys "R" Us Children's Fund and Parade Magazine serve as the national sponsor of the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism program. For a complete list of Walk events, please visit www.walknowforautism.org.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Wright also serves on the board of directors of thePolo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and Mission Product, LLC. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.