Hope 4 Hanna

Hope 4 Hanna

According to the leading autism advocacy group, Talk About Curing Autism, one in every 91 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Increasing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent annually, it’s no surprise that nearly everyone in South Orange County knows someone who’s been affected by this disorder, be it a neighbor, a classmate a friend or your own child. On October 9th at dawn, more than 1,000 people will gather at San Clemente’s Plaza Pacifica shopping center…not for their Sunday morning errands, but to run/walk in the TRACE 3 San Clemente 10k/5k and ½k kids race benefiting Hope 4 Hanna.

The San Clemente-based non-profit, Hope 4 Hanna, was established in May 2008 by its founding board members: Justin and Kristen Alderson and Joshua and Lenè Belden. The inspiration behind the organization was Joshua and Lenè’s daughter, Johanna (“Hanna”), who was diagnosed in October 2006 with Autistic Disorder shortly after her second birthday.

Hope 4 Hanna’s mission is to create a less challenging road for families dealing with autism. Since the inaugural race in October 2009, Hope 4 Hanna has raised and donated more than $150,000 to larger organizations such as Autism Speaks and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). In addition to generating donations for the research of cures and prevention, Hope 4 Hanna has funded biomedical scholarships, socialization groups and marriage counseling for families in financial need. Recently, they announced a partnership with Courtney’s Sandcastle in San Clemente, providing funding for developmentally disabled play apparatus within the new La Pata/Vista Hermosa Park.

The event features a challenging 10k/5k Run/Walk that is entirely on a paved surface. There is a significant uphill portion during the first mile of the course, followed by a flat transition before a long, downhill finish. The Kids ½k Run/Walk is designed for fun and safety and has both a paved and grassy surface in a contained area. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome and parental assistance is permitted.

New this year is the “walka for TACA” challenge which follows the ½k kids run. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite superhero costume and have fun tackling various obstacles along their journey – busting through a “brick wall” or leaping a tall building in a single bound. This event is being created with ASD families in mind, as parents are required to participate with their children.

The Hope 4 Hanna event will also feature its annual resource fair, offering a wealth of information to families seeking answers about anything from diagnosis to legal issues, to a variety of therapy options. The Wyland Foundation’s mobile learning center and the Ocean Institute’s “Ocean in Motion” van will also be on display.

Whether you are a serious runner, a casual walker or just want to enjoy great fun for a great cause, come out and support Hope 4 Hanna on Sunday, October 9th. The festivities start at 7 a.m. To register, support a participant, make a general donation and to learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities, please visit hope4hanna.com.