By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
South Padre Parade
The Sixth Annual Autism Walk/5K and Family Fun Event is scheduled for Friday, April 12, at the Heavin Resaca Trail.
“April is Autism Awareness Month, so we put together a walk,” said organizer Lupita Hernandez. “It’s a fun evening for families who have kids with autism. Some of these families don’t get out too much.”
Scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., the event also serves as an opportunity to educate the public on information pertaining to autism.
“There are a lot of misinformed people who don’t know anything about autism,” Hernandez said.
“They don’t really understand what autism really is,” she added.
“They have sensory issues,” said Carol Masters, who is also helping to organize the event, of children with autism.
“That’s why they tend to dislike loud noises, smells, bright lights; it bothers them. Here is a place where they can come out that is low-key, just a fun event. We’ll have games for the kids and parents can talk with other parents,” Masters added.
Hernandez and Masters said that the event will also be an opportunity for the RGV Autism Awareness Group, a local nonprofit charged with organizing the event, to provide information to those in attendance while creating a network for families with autistic family members.
“There will be food available and music,” Hernandez said, adding that the San Benito High School mariachi band will be on hand to perform.
“It is just to have fun. This year we are going to do the 5K run. All the benefits we get, all the money we get from selling food is to promote awareness. We’ll start planning the next walk or donate to autistic kids within the school district.”
Hernandez also said that the event serves as an opportunity for parents to relax and allow their children to have a good time since police, first responders and volunteers will lend their assistance.
For more information, call Hernandez at (956) 535-2140 or Jolie Mireles at (956) 456-8023.
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