Two years ago at the 2014 Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, 7-year-old Abigail was in tears after crossing the finish line. She told her worried mother that she was sad because she didnāt win the race. Abigailās parents explained to her that finishing first was not their goal. The little girl with autism took the lesson…
Gavinās Gang Walks for Resources and Awareness
Gavin Beale didnāt say his first word and screamed in frustration until after his third birthday. From the time he was about 10 months old, his parents, Jenny and Jason Beale of Greensboro, were very concerned about him. āIt was a very dark time because we didnāt know what was going on with him,ā…
WNC Run/Walk for Autism Inspires Pride
Jesse Trimbach is 28 and lives in his own apartment in Asheville. He uses public transportation to get to the Habitat for Humanity office, where he volunteers doing data entry. He takes pride in making his own meals and in being independent. Jesse was diagnosed with autism at 2Ā½ years old. He was in…
Triangle Run/Walk for Autism: ‘One of our Favorite Days of the Year’
The second Saturday in October is a special day to 9-year-old Seamus Millet. On his familyās calendar, it is marked with a puzzle piece, and he counts down the days. Seamus, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism just before his fifth birthday, is a veteran of the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, the biggest fundraiser of…
HPU Lacrosse Team Steps Out to Improve Lives in Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism
The High Point University menās lacrosse team has quickly established a winning tradition in the first four years of its existence, but for Triad families with autism, some of the teamās off-the-field stats are what make the players outstanding: 4 years of participating in the Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism as a team 56 lacrosse players…
WNC Run/Walk for Autism Celebrates 10 Years of Community Stepping Out to Improve Lives
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and Katie Wills has been with it every step of the way. Katie moved to Asheville in 2000 with her husband, Lewis, and son, Jesse, who was then a teenager. Jesse was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and is nonverbal. Since…
Spotlight on the Crystal Coast Chapter
Editorās note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…