The weather was beautiful, crisp and clear, a perfect autumn day for the Philadelphia Autism Walk 2009. The crowd was very large and colorful, with many walking teams wearing creative t-shirts and a general atmosphere of excitement and good will. The stage set up near the Left Field gate of Citizens' Bank park boomed upbeat music while everyone came and went around the various activities that were set up to keep the children entertained: face paint, moonbounce basketball, air baseball and more.
Two girls walking for the Manero twins. Photo by Beth Kelleher with parent's permission
To kick off the walk itself, the Phillies Phanatic took the stage with Holly Robinson Peete who spoke eloquently about childrens' struggles with autism and Philadelphia pride of accomplishment and working to support those with the condition. Rodney Peete Jr. also made a brief appearance on stage just as the walk got started. Cheering and music accompanied the actual walk start with teams and families flooding through a cheerful archway of blue and white balloons.
Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Jr and the Phillies' Phanatic. Photo by Beth Kelleher
Thousands of people started out along the mile-long course in a loop from the Left Field Gate back to the Left Field gate. Along the way volunteers cheered on the walkers and handed out free drinks, snacks and t-shirts. Kids skipped and ran at times and every team t-shirt told an individual story or showed off a creative slogan. One of our favorites: "Just because I don't talk doesn't mean I don't have anything to say."
T-Shirt Back. Photo by Beth Kelleher
The event concluded with more fun and games at the various gates around the Citizens' Bank Park concourse and the resource fair with informational booths providing free samples and flyers about various services throughout the area.
The author's sons share a hug at the event. Photo by Beth Kelleher.
For more info: Visit the Walk Now For Autism website at http://walknowforautism.org
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