Two Plainsboro siblings, Caitlin and Justin Veno, are team captains of Autism Code Breakers, a fund raising team participating in the upcoming Central New Jersey Walk for Autism Research. The seventh annual event, a three-mile walk, will be held at Mercer County Park on Sunday, October 22.
“The fact is that there are many families in West Windsor and Plainsboro who have children with autism,” says their mother, Anne Marie Veno. “Caitlin and Justin wanted to do something to help fund research and to help people understand what autism is all about.” The family moved here in 1995 from Long Island. Their father, David, is an assistant scout master in Troop 40.
Caitlin, a junior at High School North, is a member of the school’s color guard and winter guard teams. A volunteer as a drama teacher’s aide at the Mercer County Special Services VSA NJ program with children with autism, she has also volunteered as a Shadow Buddy at the Plainsboro Recreation Kid’s Commotion program for special need children. For the past two summers she has volunteered in Trenton doing Social Justice work through the Justiceworx program. She is also an active member of the St. Paul’s Youth group for 3 years.
Justin, an eighth grade student at St. Paul’s School, is a star scout with Boy Scout Troop 40. A volunteer with Special Olympics at the summer games, spring track, and field competition, he also helps teach ice skating.
To support the team as a member and walker, or with a donation, visit www.autismwalk.org and search for the team, Autism Code Breakers.
“The statistics state that autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 166 children,” says Anne Marie. “If you ask anyone if they know someone affected by autism, the answer would be yes.”
Central New Jersey Walk, National Alliance for Autism Research, Mercer County Park, 888-777-6227. www.autismwalk.org. Three-mile walk begins at 2 p.m. Moon bounce, rock wall, crafts, face painting, sand art, Tumble Jam with music for children, massages, movement class with Robert Wood Johnson Fitness Center, and DJ Brett Gash. Refreshments presented by Wegmans, Whole Foods, Chevy’s, Black Forest Acres, and Ocean Spray. Participants who raise $100 receive a shirt. Free, donations invited. Sunday, October 22, 12:30 p.m.
