LA MIRADA, CA – La Mirada stay-at-home mom Chantelle Gonzalez, 26 understands the challenges and obstacles as a parent to a son with autism and will walk in support of the autism community during the Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Angels Stadium of Anaheim at 2000 E Gene Autry Way on Sunday, December 7, 2014.
This year marks the second year for Gonzalez representing “Happy Feet for Kamden” raising $1,160 in 2013. Her son, Kamden, 3, who was diagnosed with autism with speech delay at age 2, who Gonzalez says is “the strength of the family,” and has inspired her to advocate for families affected by autism to fight for services needed.
Gonzalez will be one of an expected 9,000 autism supporters and families affected by autism to attend the 11th Anniversary OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to be held at Angels Stadium of Anaheim.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS: The 11th annual Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held December 7, 2014 at Angels Stadium of Anaheim, located at 2000 E Gene Autry Way in Anaheim, CA. The 2013 Orange County Autism Walk hosted 9,000 people and raised $258,386. http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/orangecounty
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS: Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $500 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.
ABOUT AUTISM: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in every 68 American children, including 1 in 42 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.
Public Information, orangecounty@autismspeaks.org, 323-549-0500 x74765.
Media information contact:
Annie Rivera, Autism Speaks Southern California Publicist, 714-365-4170, annierivera@feltenmedia.com
Jess Block Nerren, Autism Speaks Southern California Publicist, 909-706-8525, Jess@feltenmedia.com
Jennifer Jones, Manager of Field Development for Southern California Autism Speaks, 714-587-0514, Jennifer.jones@autismspeaks.org