New Bern's Autism Awareness 5k Run/Walk

NEW BERN, Craven County — The community ran, walked, and rolled to the finish line in a 5k run/walk to raise money for autism.

The event looped around downtown New Bern, from Queen Street to the New Bern Convention Center.

Organizers said the proceeds from Saturday's event go towards the nonprofit organization, Autismazing.

President Deborah Kaina said the organization helps people diagnosed with autism transition from high school to higher education and careers.

"When someone's autistic, they can get a lot of help early on when they're younger," Kaina explained. "Once they graduate High school, a lot of opportunities start to diminish. Some statistics are like 80 percent unemployment. And we want to change that."

Kania said the 5k event would help fund a grant that the nonprofit awards to help students prepare for college, their career, or starting a business.

She hopes the event also brings awareness and acceptance to people with autism and thinks of their differences as strengths.

More information about the Autismazing organization can be found HERE.