Oswego Autism Task Force established in 2005 is having their 4th annual fun run/walk. The fun run/walk will take place Saturday, April 6th, a great way to kick off National Autism Awareness month! The walk is being coordinated by one of the original parents who helped found the organization OATF, Julie Chetney. Julie’s family has been directly affected by Autism, her son was diagnosed when he was younger and she helped found the OATF to spread awareness and collect opportunities that she could share with not only her son but other families that have been affected as well.

Another person that impacts the organization greatly is their president Tammy Thompson. In 2005 after many families in Oswego County had been affected by Autism she gathered a group of parents to form the organization and she was named president with her expertise in the subject due to the fact that at the time she was an early intervention specialist and was able to share insight on the matter.

The fun run is attended by many people every year, Julie said that over 200 people usually participate in the run/walk. The run/walk is a great family activity, but is also great just volunteering. Julie says “We can never have too many volunteers at that event. It does make a 5k event more fun and enjoyable when you have great people that are volunteering and out there on the course especially just cheering on people. It’s a good feeling, for those participating and those volunteering”. Or if you would like to cheer on the runners you can enjoy the “Breakfast of Autism Champions” for an additional price that will benefit the event in the Press Box.

If you would like to partake in this event you can register at www.auyertiming.com, registration will close on April 4th. Or if you would like to volunteer you may Facebook Message the group at Oswego Autism Task for or email the race coordinator Julie Chetney at juliechetney@yahoo.com.

Reported by: Kaitlyn Genari

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