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Published on April 18, 2024
San Antonio's Fiesta Features 'Any Baby Can' Walk for Autism, Uniting Community in Support and AwarenessSource: Google Street View

The colorful chaos of San Antonio's Fiesta may be about tradition and celebration, but nestled among the revelry is a cause that seeks to quietly draw attention. 'Any Baby Can', a local nonprofit, is using the Fiesta platform to raise awareness about autism, as Destiny Stivers, the director of development for the organization, highlighted the significance of education and understanding of the condition amidst the festivities.

As part of their ongoing mission, 'Any Baby Can' is set to host their 20th Annual Walk for Autism on April 20 at Palo Alto College, according to a KSAT report. The walk plans to unite a diverse mix of organizations, businesses, and service providers, all aiming to support and provide resources for families of children with autism. This event, happening during National Autism Awareness Month, is one of the many efforts to not only provide support but to also celebrate the strides made in the lives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Families like the Flores have become closely aligned with 'Any Baby Can', expressing gratitude for the tangible change the nonprofit has brought to their lives. In a heartfelt interview with KSAT, Marlo Flores recounted how the organization played a pivotal role after her daughter Aaliyah was diagnosed with ASD at 20 months old. "They immediately set me up with a case manager. The case manager came to our house. I remember her bringing this big binder and said you are going to need this for life and she was right," Flores told KSAT. The nonprofit didn't just offer guidance but armed them with knowledge on Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy and practical strategies for challenges such as potty training.

The community's anticipation for the upcoming walk is tangible, as families affected by autism look forward to a gathering that signifies solidarity and support. Patricia Puchi, Aaliyah's family member, shared her excitement for the event, saying, "It means the world to us. We have an autistic grandchild and she really immersed in this and its so heartwarming to have an organization that supports them," she said in a statement to KSAT. All proceeds from the walk are set to benefit 'Any Baby Can's' various programs and services, furthering their mission to help families navigate the world of autism.

Additionally, KSAT Community has partnered with 'Any Baby Can' for a Town Hall titled "Understanding Autism," which was streamed live at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, through KSAT+ streaming services. This would align with their series of efforts to amplify autism awareness and provide a platform for education and dialogue surrounding the topic. For more information about 'Any Baby Can' and the Annual Walk for Autism, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the respective websites of the reporting news outlets.