Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the town will host its eighth annual Walk for Autism to benefit the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities on Sunday, Sept. 27, at John J. Burns Town Park on Merrick Road in Massapequa. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a tailgate party. The event will be held rain or shine.
“Studies show that one in 68 individuals will be diagnosed with autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime,” Venditto said. “Currently, there is no known cause or cure for autism. Since the disorder became more visible in the mainstream press, many treatments and therapies have become available, but doctors still have yet to make any true conclusions on how to reverse the diagnosis.”
Now in its eighth year, the town’s walk has helped spread the word about autism and helps those afflicted with the condition. The event benefits the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism, a dedicated facility located on AHRC Nassau’s Brookville Campus and affiliated with the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System.
“The center offers families comprehensive assessments, family support and updated information on autism research while also building awareness to the issue of autism,” Venditto said.
Registration is $10 for individual walkers or $25 for a family (up to five walkers). Each registered walker will receive a t-shirt and admission to the tailgate party. To sign up for the walk, register online at www.centerforautism.kintera.org, or call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Parks Department Recreation Division at 516-797-4125 ext. 2.
“I encourage residents to join us and take part in this charitable cause,” Venditto said. “This event will not only be a fun day for participants, but a day that will help to spread awareness and assist in the fight against autism.”
