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Walk for Autism goes around the block

Cleveland Advocate - 8/19/2017

Families gathered at Cleveland'sStancil Park on Aug. 12 to participate in the fourth annual Walk for Autism.

The Walk for Autism was started by Kiesha Gonzales-Carr four years ago to raise awareness of the condition and how it affects not only the person who has it but also those who interact with that person.

"I have a son with autism," said Gonzales-Carr. "I've just seen how people were like, kind of afraid of him."

Gonzales-Carr further stated how families with autistic children sometimes seem as if they do not want to bring their children to special events, prompting her to want to make others aware of autism.

"She's very passionate about doing it," said Dr. Tamesha Clay, a participant at the Walk for Autism and a friend of Gonzales-Carr. "She wants to bring awareness to how we should love and respect them."

This year's Walk for Autism started at Cleveland Stancil Park located on Peach St. across from the Cleveland Civic Center. Booths were set up for vendors who were providing various items for sale. All proceeds in past Walk for Autism events went to Autism Speaks.

Those who participated in the walk circled the entire block where Stancil Park is located. A police escort was provided by Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard and some of his officers.

According to Gonzales-Carr, an estimate of 75 people came in attendance to the event.

"I would like for it to get bigger and bigger," she said. "Every year I'm meeting new people, new moms."