#69....check!

69. Do something to help raise awareness for autism or help find a cure

This morning was Arizona's Walk for Autism. I've been planning for this event since June when I decided to participate and raise money for this cause that hits close to home. By finishing the walk and raising awareness for Autism and money towards finding a cure in the process, I can now check off #69 on my 101 in 1001 list. It's been a rewarding and fun experience.

My team that I named "We Love Noah and Elijah!" raised over $2,600 and walkers in Arizona raised a total of $550,000! Walks just like this are taking place across the nation and I CAN'T WAIT for progress to be made towards finding the cause and cure for Autism!

This morning our team met up by Tempe Town Lake and joined the hordes of people affected by and passionate about Autism for a 5k walk. It was great to see everyone coming together and to be a part of it. Of course, I documented our route.

Here's my oldest nephew, Noah--age 7--who has a moderate form of Autism. He is a total sweetheart. He talks--mostly in short phrases--and is doing well in his special ed 2nd grade class.

Here's Elijah--Noah's younger brother--who is almost 6 and has a more severe form of Autism. He doesn't speak at all and is still working on potty training. He also goes to school and has teachers who give him one-on-one attention and work to develop skills like imitation and communicating through picture cards. Elijah is also a sweetie and very affectionate with those close to him.

Here he is giving his mom (my sister Natalie) a kiss before the walk commenced.

Here's the starting line for the walk--everyone was rarin' to go!

Noah with his "pop pop Jack" walking over the Mill Ave. bridge:

My dad pulling Elijah in the wagon as we crossed the bridge:

My cute brother-in-law, Josh (Noah & Elijah's dad) and my cute dad--totally prepared with his camelback :). You can also see more of our team on the right.

Elijah was such a sport and walked much of the way.

I saw this wagon packed with 5 kids and thought it would be a fun shot:

My cute parents:

Some people made signs:

I was blown away by the numbers that came out--over 7,000! The masses of people you see here probably went on for about a mile.

Along the way we ran into Luis Gonzales--former Diamondbacks player. He was doing the walk and was mobbed by people wanting his autograph. Poor guy kept saying, "Ok--let's walk!" :)