BRAVING THE RAIN, WALKERS AGAINST AUTISM, SUPPORT RESEARCH WITH SUFFOLK DOWNS EVENT.

photo: Suffolk Downs

EAST BOSTON, MA - Thousands of walkers - including individuals with autism, their families and friends - joined together at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, October 18 to raise much-needed funds for critical scientific research and to increase autism awareness at the 9th Annual Greater Boston Walk Now For Autism.

Walkers braved cold temperatures, strong winds and a driving rain as they circled the one-mile thoroughbred racetrack that surely would have been classified as sloppy if it were a racing day. The event also included a family resource fair and various forms of family entertainment, including live music, games and other activities for kids.

All proceeds from the event benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization. Established in 2000, the Autism Speaks 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. Suffolk Downs has hosted the Greater Boston walk since 2007.

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. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

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