2021 – ABC Virtual Walk for Autism
One in 54 children nationwide will be diagnosed with autism this year. In Bexar County alone, 30,000 children are living with autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. That means that you or someone you know has a close connection to a child or individual who lives with autism and whose daily lives are challenged by this diagnosis.
Many of these families are left feeling isolated, alone, and do not know where to turn for support. Often times the challenges faced by autism rips families apart. Even the strongest of family bonds can be torn.
This is where we need you! We kindly ask that you become a partner in hope by being a part of our 17th Annual Virtual Walk for Autism & Superhero Car Parade on Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 11 am – 2 pm.
The Walk for Autism is our largest fundraising event and brings together participants and community partners from San Antonio, Bexar County, and South Texas. The overall goal is to provide services and support for families raising individuals with autism. All the proceeds stay local to fund the many programs provided for families raising individuals with autism at Any Baby Can of San Antonio.
The 17th Annual Walk for Autism will look a little different this year. But…we must Walk on, virtually! Any Baby Can is delighted to announce our virtual walk and a Superhero car parade where all families can enjoy an autism-friendly atmosphere without judgment from the comfort of your car. The day is filled with a virtual walk on your own around your block or at your favorite park, followed by the car parade at the Helotes Cornyval Grounds. We encourage you to decorate your cars, wear your favorite superhero costume, make posters, create your one of a kind T-Shirts as we safely join to bring awareness, resources, joy, and hope. We ask everyone to stay in their vehicle & follow safety guidelines; masks are highly encouraged while inside your vehicle. Anyone working the car parade will be temperature checked upon arrival, wearing a mask, and following all state & local COVID-19 guidelines.
As we embark on the new year, our families are experiencing:
- Regressions in the child’s health progress
- Delays in medical treatment and specialized educational support
- Parent stress has increased due to loss of job and income
- Parents need more financial assistance with Larger Size Diapers, Pull-Ups, Wipes, Medical Supplies, Cleaning Items, Specialized Formula, Food for Special Diets, Medications, School & Learning Supplies, Gift Cards
- Parents needing help with grocery shopping since families cannot wait in lines with their special needs children.
Together, we can stand strong and support our city and the surrounding areas during unprecedented hardship and need. We understand that no family, business, industry, or economy has been spared from the effects of COVID-19 and that each of us is experiencing our own unique set of challenges and added pressures. But, COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on families raising children and youth with special healthcare needs. Any Baby Can is committed to supporting our families through our critical Case Management, Prescription Assistance, Autism and Developmental Disabilities, and the Center for Infant and Child Loss programs.