Easter Seals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) is holding its 5th annual Walk With Me event at the Wrightsville Beach Loop on Saturday, November 5th. This annual fundraiser for the Wilmington area benefits critical programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and the 2.5 mile 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:

Ava, age 6, was born with spina bifida and attends the Easter Seals UCP Children’s Center where she is able to be in an inclusive preschool setting while still getting the specialized therapies she needs to progress in her development. Despite the challenges she faces, she has overcome many obstacles and is a great source of inspiration and motivation for many.

Annetta, almost 2 years old, was diagnosed at two months old with a birth defect that affects the development of her brain, impairs her vision and causes frequent seizures. Netta attends the Easter Seals UCP Children’s Center where she also is able to be surrounded by other children her age with and without special needs, yet still receive the specialized therapies she needs to help her progress.

Myles, age 4, has Down syndrome, but doesn’t see himself as a boy with special needs. His parents have worked hard to treat him as typical as any other four year old boy. Easter Seals UCP works with Myles to help me succeed in his environment.

“Walk With Me is a unique event because it brings people of all abilities together,” said London Schmidt, development manager for Easter Seals UCP’s Eastern North Carolina 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 the Easter Seals UCP Walk With Me event, please call (910) 790-5921 or visit www.walkwithme.org/wilmington.