Active for Autism Saturday

    This Saturday, Coach Sid Edwards will be standing at the starting line of the Active for Autism 5K to raise money and awareness of this disability.  Central Speaks will be supporting him in this endeavor, and invites the community to join them.   The 5K begins at 8 am at the State Police Headquarters on Independence Boulevard.   Coach Sid, who has two autistic sons, has participated in this event for the last seven years.  Central Speaks editor Beth Fussell  (Pictured above with Coach Sid and Beanie Edwards) has joined him the last 2.  The event supports Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, a non-profit organization that offers support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families.    This year is a special one for the Edwards family as their two sons, Jack Ryan and Chase, were invited to throw out the first pitch of last night’s LSU game in conjunction with the 5K and World Autism Awareness Day.
    Coach Sid has become a spokesperson on behalf of Autism, a neurological disorder that the CDC now estimates  will be identified in 1 out of every 68 children.  He, along with Chief Bill Porche, recently assisted Central Resident Randi Stephens in her quest to get Project Lifesaver started here with the Central Fire Department.  Project Lifesaver offers state of the art technology to find flight risk individuals who have become lost (see Central Speaks March 28 edition).  Coach Sid welcomes the opportunity to share his and his wife Beanie’s journey with their sons, and offers support and encouragement to many families walking the same path.  
    You can register for the Active for Autism 5K online or make a donation at activeforautism2014.kintera.org.   Support Coach Sid in this great cause!