Lakeview Regional to host autism awareness walk & family fun day

Lakeview Hospital is proud to announce it will host the SOAR 7th Annual Autism Awareness Walk and Family Day. The half-mile walk/run fundraiser—“"SOAR Over the Big Top"—will take place on the Judge Tanner Blvd. campus on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit SOAR (Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources), the Northshore’s primary resource Center for families touched by autism.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of children presently with an autism spectrum disorder was 1 in 68, but the reality today is everyone knows someone who is affected by autism,” states Bret Kolman, Chief Executive Office of Lakeview Hospital . “Our sponsorship of this annual walk is important, because it is meaningful to our employees, their families, and our community.”

"The reality today is everyone knows someone who is affected by autism."

While each child with autism is unique, research shows that significant improvement in autism symptoms is highly aligned with early intensive behavioral intervention programs. In some programs, therapists come to the home and provide up to 25 hours a week of therapy and support. Other programs work in specialized centers or classrooms and are integrated into school settings. In all cases, these services are expensive and can become a burden on family finances. SOAR offers applied behavior analysis, social skills and life skills training, educational advocacy, support groups, a lending library, resources, workshops and training at little or no cost to the families.

“The annual autism awareness walk is our major fundraiser for the year,” states Sherri Houin, SOAR Executive Director. “Without longtime partners like Lakeview, we simply would not be able to provide the individualized services and support to our families. Our programming positively enhances the independence, productivity and inclusion of their loved ones with autism, allowing them to soar beyond limits.”

Registration for adults is $20 and children is $10, and kids 3 and under is free. Registration includes a shirt, food and drink ticket. Following the walk, activities will be available for the whole family, including music, face painting, spacewalks, rides, pet adoptions, visits by Star Wars characters and Ghostbusters. To register for the walk please visit www.soarwithautism.org. For more comprehensive information about autism, visit the Lakeview Hospital website’s health library at lakeviewregional.com or www.soarwithautism.org