WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — More than 1,500 people spent their Sunday morning in downtown West Palm Beach for the annual Autism Speaks Walk.
WPTV's Michael Williams served as master of ceremonies for the event in which WPTV is a proud sponsor.
The walk is the world's largest fundraising event dedicating to improving the lives of people on the autism spectrum and letting them know that they are not alone. It brings together people with autism and the parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives and providers who support them.
It's something many people — including the walk co-chairs — look forward to each year.
"It’s a great way for the community to come together," co-chairwoman Marla Garchik said. "There are many resources for all the families that are here. You feel like you’re not alone."
Her co-chairwoman Lisa Harrison said: "For so many times in our lives, there’s these rollercoasters, there are highs and there are lows. So it’s the one day that you know everyone around you understands your story. They might not walk in your shoes, but they understand you and they’re there for you, and they’re cheering you on.
"That’s what the walk is about. It’s a walk about cheering each other on, empowering each other to be a voice for our community."
This year's walk has set a fundraising goal of $270,000.
Funds raised Sunday will help ensure people of all abilities have access to tools needs to lead their best lives, including therapy, interventions and toolkit or the entire family.
About one in 44 children are diagnosed with autim each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For the next decade, more than 700,000 teens with autism nationally could enter adulthood and age out of school-based autism services.
