Walk Now for Autism

By Amy Crelly

This September, hundreds of families will converge in the Capital City for Sacramento’s first Walk Now for Autism event. Part of the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, the event raises funds for Autism Speaks™, an organization dedicated to research and advocacy. The event also aims to unite community members, connect families with resource providers, and raise awareness about this disorder which now affects an estimated 1 in 150 children in the United States.

Over 160 teams have already registered for the walk. “Many of those teams are the families of individuals affected by autism,” says Stephanie Blackard, a Walk Chair for the event. “Among these teams are families with amazing stories of hope, love and perseverance,” says Stephanie, who is herself a mother with three boys (a two-year-old and twin five-year-olds), all diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Stephanie and her husband, Ragain, are looking forward to the event in part because it offers a chance to connect with other parents—parents like Kristen and Martin Byrne, of Rocklin.

Kristen Byrne is the other Walk Chair for the event. Her twin sons, Ethan & Devan, were diagnosed with autism when they were three. They are now five years old. "Ethan & Devan both work incredibly hard each day with a supportive group of teachers, therapists, family and friends,” says their Mom, Kristen. Ethan loves jumping, dressing up as super heroes, and playing video games. Devan loves to swim, play soccer, and do just about anything pirate-related. The Byrnes describe both their little boys as "affectionate and caring."

“We walk because they are the center of our world,” says their Dad, Martin.