Autism Awareness: Walk in the Park

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

A large crowd of walkers enjoyed a beautiful spring day in the park at the annual Autism Awareness Day event held on Saturday, April 1 in Mesquite. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

A Walk in the Park, with accompanying Spring Egg Hunt, was hosted last week by the City of Mesquite Athletics and Leisure Services Department to raise awareness of autisum. The city partnered with local group “Momma’s on a Mission,” for the event which was held on Saturday, April 1.

It was a beautiful sunny day and the Mesquite Recreation Center West Field was alive with energetic kids, lively music, food and plenty of happy-faced walkers. Most of these were wearing blue to show their support for autism awareness.

“Momma’s on a Mission” is a group of approximately 30 ladies and their families that came together through social media about seven years ago. According to founder, Liliana Medina, the group’s mission is to hold events for families with special needs kids, and raise awareness for the special needs as well as creating social time for the families. They have been holding events for special needs kids and families ever since.

Showing their support for the annual Autism Awareness day event on Saturday morning in Mesquite were walkers l to r Curtis Umscheid, Sherri Smith, Talyn Smith, Terri Smith and Kim Umscheid. PHOTO BY BOBBIE GREEN/The Progress

At Saturday’s event, there were games for the kids, run by students from Virgin Valley Elementary, Virgin Valley High School, and Moapa Valley High School. The sensory-friendly egg hunt was made possible by Fringe Hair Salon, The Sunrise Rotary Club, Nevada Cinderella Pageant and Angela Poole.

Families strolled together on the walk which took the crowd twice around the park.
Liliana Cortez, event coordinator reported that about 250 people were in attendance.
Families were able to connect with resources like Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP) and the local Desert Regional Center coordinator Brad Easton, Crimson Counseling and NCR Behavior Services organization.

Sponsors for the event included The Corndog Company, DJ Fuego, Eureka Community Initiative, Moreno’s Bounce House. The sponsored provided water, music and recreational activities for participants.

Vendors there to support the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Event were groups like the Special Olympics, Precision Eye Care. Bryce Thompson was raising money for her child’s autism services by doing face painting at the event.

“I would just like to thank my family, the Recreation Center staff, Jairo Vallejo and everyone that joined us and helped by volunteering,” said Cortez.

“The Momma’s on a Mission will hold the Mesquite Autism Awareness Festival on the first Saturday in April in the coming years as well,” Cortez added.