Autism Walk ’13 | Our Father's World Through Cannon's Eyes

Team Cannon, once again, participated in our local Autism Walk! We were able to gather 17 team members to walk alongside us and even had 2 virtual walkers! The very best part of the whole experience was that we were able to raise $1,580 for the local branch of the Autism Society! We have been very blessed by this organization’s presence in our community and are thrilled that this money will now bless others affected by Autism and their families. Providing education, support, and advocacy in a variety of ways! Thank you so much to all who prayed for our effort, walked with us, virtually walked with us, and donated! You have truly made a difference in the Autism community!

April 7th was the big day! We loaded up our stroller with snacks, drinks, and kiddos and headed over to the local University’s mall……where the event was to be held. All wearing our “Team Cannon” t-shirts! Meeting up, once we arrived, with all of our wonderful team members! One family from our church surprised us by showing up (Yay!) so we will surely be getting them t-shirts in the near future. Cannon was a bit overwhelmed by the crowd and took off on us a few times. I had to chase him down and apologize to many people I nearly ran over in the process.

We got a team picture before the start!

Then, we took to the course. Unfortunately, there is a lot of construction going on in our area this year. So, we were forced to a different route than last. 3 revolutions of the mall instead of the scenic route through the school’s campus. The biggest problem with that was the presence of jumping castles. This was a great thing but walking past them 3 times was not something the kids were too thrilled with.

Cannon was immediately fighting to get out of the stroller. And screaming loudly! He told me he didn’t feel good. So, I got him out and carried him for a while (about 1 1/2 laps) until he felt up to walking.

We got separated after a while. We had strollers, athletes, bigger kids, and a pregnant woman in our group. Everyone had their own speed and the crowd was a bit thick as well. After a few attempts to stop and wait for those who had gotten separated…. we let it be and split up. Cannon and I were with some of my friends that came minus their kiddos. And Mark stayed with the stroller group. The kids in the stroller group made an executive decision that one lap was enough. And that the completion of that one lap (1 mile) earned them a trip to the jumping castles and a tummy full of yummy snacks! So, they did just that! My group made the last 2 laps. We walked one and then I handed Cannon off to Mark and ran the last lap with a friend. Everyone did what they wanted which made it more fun for all!

After the walk portion was over, the kids had a great time decorating construction paper puzzle pieces, listening to the fun MC and his great choices in music, playing with mountains of legos, climbing a rock wall, riding a cool train, and jumping in the infamous inflatable jumping castles and obstacle courses. Parents could peruse the Resource Fair which had lots of information about therapeutic resources, support organizations, products you could buy, and some freebies.