South Jersey moms go extra mile to combat autism
MEDFORD LAKES – Christina Singh had an idea about six months ago, and she's seen it come to fruition.
With a son on the autism spectrum, the Medford Lakes mother of three began to organize a 5K to benefit Autism Speaks of Southern New Jersey.
The Medford Lakes Miles of Hope Run/Walk will take place at 8 a.m. April 25 at 79 Tecumseh Trail.
"I started working on this race about six months ago," said Singh, who has raised more than $1,500 for the local chapter of Autism Speaks through race registration fees. "I've always done triathlons and run in races myself. Medford Lakes is the type of community where they have the Turkey Trot, the Memorial Day run, so they have a USATF certified course.
"It's a great area to bring something like that to. My son (Logan) has high-functioning autism so I've always wanted to do something to bring a positive light on that and to also support autism."
Singh, the race director, started an all-women's triathlon club in 2012 with the hope of empowering local women. Her club is a registered nonprofit. She'd like to fundraise throughout the year for various causes.
This cause is important to her and many others throughout Medford Lakes, including Rachael Urban, whose son Kells, 7, is autistic.
"It's obviously something that's very near and dear," she said
Urban, whose family will participate, said people seem to be more aware of autism.
According to the National Autism Association, autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3. It impacts the normal development of the brain in areas such as cognitive function, social interaction and communication skills.
It's diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. According to Autism Speaks, 10 years ago 1 in 166 children were diagnosed with autism. The number today is 1 in 68.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released numbers last year that were compiled in 2010 that state New Jersey has the highest reported rate of autism in the country, with 1 in 45 children diagnosed with the disability; boys have a rate of 1 in 28.
"I definitely think there's more awareness," said Urban, who also has a 4-year-old daughter, Drew. This is a very active community. I anticipate that most of our Lakers will come out. I have reached out to Tabernacle, and Medford, as well as all the autism organizations in the area locally like South Jersey Autism Moms, Autism Warriors.
"My son also plays sports in a special needs league on Monday nights and they're going to support. That's the Marlton Sports Unity program. It's a wonderful program. It's free for kids with special needs. It's their chance to be able to play sports together."
Melissa Warren, whose son Carson is autistic, and Simonne Hummel, whose son Robbie, 9, was diagnosed with autism when he was 3, will be a part of the race and are also part of the group led by Singh and Urban. Hummel, whose husband, Rob, coaches the Lenape High School girls' basketball team, was happy the women asked her to be part of the event.
"It's definitely something near and dear to our heart," said Simonne Hummel, who also has a 20-month-old son Timmy and 6-year-old daughter Lexi. "... Anything to spread the word and really educate people on what autism is and what it's not.
"My whole family is going to participate."
Like the other mothers, Singh is used to keeping a busy. She coaches kindergarten through second graders in track for the Medford Athletic Association and also coaches T-ball. She's a personal injury paralegal by day and the mother to Logan, as well as Isabella, 6, and 4-year-old Samantha.
"I've got 60 people registered," said Singh, whose husband, Victor, will also participate. "I feel good about that. In race fees I've generated about $1,500 so far for Autism Speaks. My goal was $1,000 and I have succeeded with that.
"... We hope to make this an annual event. But we cannot do that without community support."
Reach Celeste E. Whittaker at cwhittaker@courierpostonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @cp_CWhittaker.
The Medford Lakes Miles of Hope Run/Walk
• When: April 25
• Where: Starts at 79 Tecumseh Trail at 8 a.m.
• Registration: Early registration is open until April 23.
• Cost: $25 for adults; $15 for children 18 and under is $15. There is a $3 sign-up fee if done online. Entries mailed in don't include the $3 fee.
• Links: To sign up for the event go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/MedfordLakes/MedfordLakesMilesofHope
For more information on autism visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org.