Easter Seals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) is holding its 12th annual Walk With Me event at Freedom Park on Saturday, October 8th. This annual fundraiser for the Charlotte area benefits critical programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and the 5K family-friendly walk starts at 10:00 a.m. followed by festival activities and food for all participants.

Walk With Me is an event where individuals and families of all abilities can participate, including honorary ambassadors who have benefitted from Easter Seals UCP programs and services and offer inspiration to others.

The honorary ambassadors for this year’s event include:

Nicholas, age 2. Nicholas attends the Easter Seals UCP Children’s Center where he has the opportunity to be included in a classroom of children with and without special needs and be treated as a typical two year old despite having cerebral palsy. He also has the opportunity to receive specialized therapies to aid in his development from on-site physical, speech and occupational therapists.

De’Vante, age 17. Born with cerebral palsy, De’Vante began receiving Easter Seals UCP services when he was eight years old to help aid in his care and development. De’Vante is learning to live more independently and will be graduating from high school this year. Following graduation, De’Vante will be working with Easter Seals UCP’s Supportive Employment Program to receive job training and job placement assistance.

“Walk With Me is a unique event because it brings people of all abilities together,” said Amanda Hogan, development manager for Easter Seals UCP’s Charlotte market. “The honorary ambassadors are our mission in action and showcase the value of Easter Seals UCP in our community. Our walkers support makes it possible for Easter Seals UCP to continue to provide opportunities for people with disabilities in our area to live with equality, dignity and independence.”

For more information or to participate in Walk With Me, please call (704) 566-6040 or visit www.WalkWithMe.org/charlotte.