Residents from all over Long Island are invited to participate in the Sunday, Oct. 26 Walk Far for NAAR (National Alliance for Autism Research), Family & Friends for Autism Research. The three-mile will be held at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow beginning at 9 a.m.

Local residents are particularly encouraged to help a family member of Florence Korona, a Levittown resident whose grandson Josh is autistic.

"Our grandson ... is a cute young boy with big brown eyes. His looks contradict certain turmoil within - Joshua is autistic," she said in a letter written to family and friends. "What you may not know is what a devastating disorder this is and how seriously it affects children and their families."

Korona explained that Josh will be 4 this November, but cognitively he is about a 1- to 1 1/2-year-old.

"He doesn't talk in sentences, only single words or short phrases. Josh cannot kick a ball or jump. I could go on and on, but this gives you an idea of what autism is like. This is a heartbreaking disorder with which no child should be afflicted," she added. "Unfortunately very little is known about the causes of autism and there is no cure. That is why I am a big supporter of the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). Their funds go to research for causes, prevention, treatment and hopefully a cure."

Korona noted that her friends and family members formed a team, "Walking for Josh," for Sunday's walk. She invites all residents to join the team to help Josh and all victims of autism. Anybody who is unable to attend the event on Sunday is invited to sponsor the "Walking for Josh" team.

"I'm very uncomfortable asking [for] a donation to NAAR, but as a grandmother of Joshua I would do anything to help him," Korona said. "Any donation in any amount would be greatly appreciated."

Residents who wish to make a donation to NAAR are asked to send their check (made payable to NAAR) to Florence Korona, 30 Cobble Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. Anybody who would like to register with the family to walk on Sunday are asked to call 796-2371. All donations will be forwarded to the organization and are tax deductible. The Korona family thanks residents for their support on behalf of all the autistic children who cannot speak for themselves.