The last couple of posts have focused on Autism and special needs-related organisations in South Florida. The Miami metropolitan area, like all major cities in the United States and Canada, also hosts an annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks…
On Sunday, March 4 [2012] more than 20,000 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends attended the 12th annual Miami-Dade County Walk Now for Autism Speaks at JC Bermudez Park in Doral, Florida. So far, the Walk raised more than $600,000, all of which will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally fund innovative autism research and family services, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Miami and beyond.
The event kicked off with grand fanfare as DJ Gary Gore welcomed participants and kept them energized with dance performances from local studios Creative Praise and Trendz Dance Performance. ‘Zumba for Autism,’ led by Miami Lakes K-8 Center, got everyone warmed up and pumped with the popular workout. Touching performances from teens with autism included Daniel Vega, who moved the crowd with his awe-inspiring rendition of the National Anthem. Sophia Aprano and Joel Vazquez both sang solos and Nikolas Teodorobic sang ‘God Bless America.’
…Overall, the event was a success providing families and friends a chance to unite, make a difference for those affected by autism and help increase autism awareness one by one.
Here is a link to a short video on the ‘2008 Miami-Dade County Walk Now for Autism Speaks’: 2008 Miami-Dade Walk Now for Autism - YouTube
(source: 2012 Miami Walk Now for Autism Speaks Recap | Walk Now for Autism Speaks Blog | Autism Speaks )