UF groups to raise money at Swamp for autism

April 12, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla.– The University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, known as CARD, and Student Government will hold their third annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16.

Participants can run or walk the stadium steps, or walk the inner track, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Registration is now available online at http://card.ufl.edu/sts/ and available the day of the event. Winners from each category will receive a prize. Additionally there will be a silent auction at the event featuring prizes from local businesses and Guy Harvey Inc.

CARD has 1,800 individual clients, both children and adults, with autism and related disabilities. In 2010, it provided direct individual assistance to more than 500 local individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every 70 boys will be diagnosed on the autism spectrum and one in every 110 children will be diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Autism is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined, yet receives far less funding than these other diseases. It is the fastest rising developmental disability in the United States. One doesn’t have to run to support the event. Donations are accepted and tax-deductible.

Learn more and view special messages from event co-chairwomen Shelley Meyer and first lady Chris Machen at http://card.ufl.edu/sts/.