Oak Ridge Today

Autism Breakthrough hosts 21-Day Virtual Challenge, Virtual 5K Race

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The Volunteer CrossFit Team from Oak Ridge participated in the 2019 Breakthrough Run in honor of Gus Beehan, in the wagon, and Gus’ cousin Luke Koksal. (Submitted photo)

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is hosting a 21-Day Virtual Challenge November 5-25, featuring individual runs, walks and talks that replace its annual spring 5K Run for Autism.

Breakthrough is inviting the community to learn more about adults on the autism spectrum through the 21-day journey with stories from families of adults with autism and discussions with leading professionals knowledgeable in the field of autism. Its annual 5K Run will be held during the challenge, although virtually this year because of COVID-19.

“In April we made the decision to postpone our Annual 5K Run out of concern for runners’ health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those concerns remain present today,” race chair Happy Lee said.

“We hope you will take the challenge to run, walk, listen, and talk about issues facing adults on the spectrum today. We invite you to hear our stories and share them with friends and family each day during the challenge,” Lee added. [Read more…]

13th Annual Run for Autism supports autism breakthrough

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Tim Younkin, top left, of Volunteer CrossFit in Oak Ridge, is joined by other members of the Volunteer CrossFit team who participated in last year’s Breakthrough Run for Autism. From left, they are Soly Beehan, her parents Michael Beehan and Lissie Meza Beehan with their son Gus, and Lissie’s father Roberto Meza. The Beehans are avid supporters of Breakthrough and the run because their son has been diagnosed with autism and their cousin receives services provided by Breakthrough for adults with autism. (Submitted photo)

The 13th annual Breakthrough Run for Autism will be held Saturday, April 27, with Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville inviting individuals, teams, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate.

Breakthrough’s 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. that Saturday at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 in Farragut’s Turkey Creek.

The run, held during National Autism Awareness Month, supports Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults facing the challenges of autism in the East Tennessee region.

Lori Tucker, WATE-TV news anchor, will serve as honorary chair of the run and will be the emcee during the awards ceremony. Happy Lee, a Breakthrough volunteer, is the race director. [Read more…]

Run on Saturday will support autism organization

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Joe Judkins, right, of Oak Ridge, gets a high-five from Seth Krichinsky, an adult with autism who cheers on participants and helps hand out awards. Judkins came in first in his age group in the 5K run last year. (Submitted photo)

Joe Judkins, right, of Oak Ridge, gets a high-five from Seth Krichinsky, an adult with autism who cheers on participants and helps hand out awards. Judkins came in first in his age group in the 5K run last year. (Submitted photo)

 

The 12th annual Breakthrough Run for Autism will be held April 21, with Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville inviting individuals, teams, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate.

The 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 in Farragut’s Turkey Creek. The run, held during National Autism Awareness Month, supports Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults facing the challenges of autism in the East Tennessee region.

Lori Tucker, WATE-TV news anchor, will serve as honorary chair of the run and will be the emcee during the awards ceremony. Happy Lee, a Breakthrough volunteer, is the race director.

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville invites any individual with a disability to register for the run or walk as a “breakthrough buddy,” a press release said. A “buddy” may request to participate with a volunteer, who will run or walk the course with the buddy. Breakthrough buddies receive special recognition during the award ceremony. [Read more…]

Run for Autism on April 8 supports autism breakthrough

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Vicky Wallace, center, and Melissa Orsick Peplow, right, with her daughter Sarah, all of Oak Ridge, participated in last year’s Breakthrough Run for Autism. With them are three members of Knox Moms Run This Town. Vicky and Melissa were “Team 2 for 1” in the race. (Submitted photo)

Vicky Wallace, center, and Melissa Orsick Peplow, right, with her daughter Sarah, all of Oak Ridge, participated in last year’s Breakthrough Run for Autism. With them are three members of Knox Moms Run This Town. Vicky and Melissa were “Team 2 for 1” in the race. (Submitted photo)

 

The Breakthrough Run for Autism will be held April 8, with Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville inviting individuals, teams, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate.

The 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 in Farragut’s Turkey Creek. The run, held during National Autism Awareness Month, supports Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults facing the challenges of autism in the East Tennessee region.

Lori Tucker, WATE-TV news anchor, will serve as honorary chair of the run and will be the emcee during the awards ceremony. Chelsey Vaughan, who serves on the Autism Breakthrough Foundation board, is the race director. [Read more…]