Topsail Hill State Park to Host First ‘Walk for Williams’

As part of an initiative to generate awareness about Williams Syndrome and to raise funding for critical WSA programs and initiatives, the Williams Syndrome Association is organizing Walk for Williams today, June 14th from 9am to 1pm at Topsail Hill State Park.

Organizers Searcy Kelly and Valerie Hamon will be joined by friends and family throughout the Gulf Coast to help spread the word about Williams syndrome and raise critical funding for research programs. In addition to the Walk, activities at the event will include a raffle, beach party, food donated by the Seagrove Market Cafe, and more.

Featured on 20/20 and MSNBC, Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music. Williams syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States. Unfortunately, as many as half of these individuals may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Proper diagnosis is critical to acquiring the medical, therapeutic and educational treatments that improve the life of an individual with WS. Children need costly and ongoing medical care, and early interventions that may not be covered by insurance or state funding. As they grow, they struggle with things like spatial relations, numbers and abstract reasoning, which can make daily tasks a challenge.

The Williams Syndrome Association is a comprehensive resource for people Williams syndrome as well as doctors and educators. It provides support and the latest medical information to help children with WS today and throughout their lives. Awareness week activities will also help fund the Williams Syndrome Association’s medical emergency fund, which provides financial support to families for medical expenses.

Local residents are encouraged to come out and support families affected by Williams syndrome and the WSA.

For more info, contact Searcy Kelly (251-753-4133) or Valerie Hamon (850-238-5589).