Residents from all over Long Island were invited to participate in the Walk Far for NAAR (National Alliance for Autism Research), Family & Friends for Autism Research, in late October. The three-mile event was held at Eisenhower Park. This event was of particular importance to Levittown resident Florence Korona, whose grandson Josh is autistic. Hundreds of residents participated in the event and many were part of the team "Walk for Josh."

In a letter written to family and friends about the event, Korona explained that Josh is "a cute young boy with big brown eyes. His looks contradict certain turmoil within - Joshua is autistic. 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 turned 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."

At the walk, Korona gathered with family and friends to form the "Walking for Josh" team. She reached out to residents in various communities throughout Long Island. Dozens participated and raised thousands for the cause. NAAR surpassed its goal of obtaining $1 million and the Walk for Josh team garnered $4,500.

Korona admitted that she felt uncomfortable asking for donations but noted that as Josh's grandmother she would do anything to help him. She couldn't believe the generosity of not only her friends, family members and neighbors, but also that of complete strangers and others who know of or have family members with autism. Korona's efforts, together with those of family and friends, certainly helped in the fight to increase autism awareness and research.

"I want to thank everybody who supported us, I got checks from people I didn't even know," she said. "Everybody has been very kind, it's nice to know that there are still people like that in this world."