Angelman Syndrome Foundation to Host Annual Walk May 18

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) invites local community members, businesses and organizations to participate in its annual walk and raise funds to improve the quality of life for individuals with Angelman syndrome, a severe, neurogenetic disorder similar to autism and cerebral palsy.

As part of its national walk, hundreds will gather in The Woodlands on May 18 to raise funds to support the ASF, which seeks to advance the awareness and understanding of Angelman syndrome through education and information, research and support for individuals with Angelman syndrome and their families.

The walk will take place Sunday, May 18 in The Woodlands at Rob Fleming Park located at 6055 Creekside Forest Dr. in The Village of Creekside Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K walk starts at 9 a.m.

Angelman syndrome occurs in 1 in 15,000 live births. Individuals with Angelman syndrome exhibit symptoms such as: developmental delay; lack of speech; seizures; inappropriate laughter; and walking and balance disorders.

“The individuals with Angelman syndrome brighten our world,” said Debbie Sukin, walk coordinator. “With support and participation, we can raise funds to make their lives better and reach the ultimate goal of finding a cure. We hope the local community will join us for this fun event.”

This year’s walk will feature a deejay and a memorial balloon release to honor loved ones afflicted with Angelman syndrome who have passed away.

ASF provides families of individuals with Angelman syndrome and medical professionals, with connections to resources and information the disorder. The ASF hosts annual scientific symposiums for leading researchers, scientists and doctors to discuss the latest research findings and a biennial conference for families of individuals with Angelman syndrome to connect with one another and learn about the latest research, therapeutic and educational techniques, and long-term and financial planning strategies.

The ASF National Walk makes these activities possible and brings the ASF one-step closer to finding a cure for Angelman syndrome. As the largest non-governmental funder of Angelman syndrome research, the ASF has funded 68 research grants totaling more than $6.2 million. The ASF played a leading role in opening of two clinics dedicated solely to serving the unique needs of individuals with Angelman syndrome located at the University of North Carolina’s Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities in Chapel Hill, NC and the MassGeneral Hospital in Boston, Mass.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance online and click the Walk tab or by calling 1-800-432-6435, or they can register the day of the event. For more information about the Walk in The Woodlands, please contact Adrienne Batchelor. For more information about the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, visit the link below.