Tenth Annual Houston Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Set for Saturday, September 28th

Nine-Year-Old Raises over $50,000 for Walk Team to Fund Vital Research for Autism  

HOUSTON, TX – Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold its signature fundraising event on September 28 at Reliant Park.

Over 9,000 participants are expected at the Walk, which will include a resource fair for parents and activities for children.  Thirty eight exhibitors will offer participants information about autism services and programs in the community, including The Shape of Behavior and The Autism Place.  In addition, sponsor Springfree Trampoline will be providing safe trampolines for children to jump on.

Each walker has the opportunity to start a team and set a personal fundraising goal to help change the future for all who struggle with autism.  One little girl who is dedicated to meeting her team’s goal is Kaylee Fowler.

At age seven, Kaylee was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, or what she refers to as a “special brain”.   When she found out that other children were also on the autism spectrum and there was no cure, she set out to help Autism Speaks raise funding for research.

“For a different family every 11 minutes, tomorrow will never be the same. By participating in this event, you are helping me to help others understand my piece of the puzzle and where it fits.”

This year, Kaylee and her team, God’s Little Lambs, have raised $56,000, more than doubling the amount she raised last year.  She will be inducted into the Grand Club for her outstanding fundraising accomplishment.  To read more about Kaylee’s personal story and donate to her fundraising efforts click here.

One in 88 children is currently diagnosed with autism.  The estimated cost for families living with the disorder is $60,000 annually.  The Walk Now for Autism Speaks is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for innovative autism research and resources for individuals and families affected by the disorder. To register, donate, and for additional information visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/houston.

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.