Warwick Boy Performs
at Autism Rally in D.C.
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This article
was originally published in
The Warwick Advertiser |
Warwick: " I loved Washington D.C. and I can't wait to go
back!"
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| That was the sentiment
of Kyle Hancharick, the 10-year-old Warwick boy who performed at the
Unlocking Autism's Power of One rally in the nation's capital last
week. |
| About 2,000 people
gathered throughout the day at the capital building to hear speakers
discuss what they are doing for the advancement of autism research. |
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Most of the speakers were moms-turned-activists with incredible
stories of how, despite their doctors' assurances to the contrary,
they knew deep down there was indeed something wrong with their
children.
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| Kyle's performance
was inspirational, according to Warwick resident Lesa Welsh, "They were so
happy to have him play," Walsh said. "He brought many mothers to tears." |
| Kyle played two
songs on his guitar and harmonica, both written by Bob Dylan. "Blowin'
In The Wind" and "Every Grain of Sand" were poignant tributes to the
children and their families affected by autism. |
| Kyle, who himself
has Asperger's Syndrome, stood on the capital steps looking out over
the crowd to the sides and the Washington Monument looming in front
of him. |
| "It was very exciting,"
he commented. It wasn't all work and no play for Kyle, who also took
a tour of the White House, thanks to Congressman Ben Gilman. He also
got a tour of the House of Representatives, standing on the floor
where presidents give their state of the union address. |
| Walsh was also present at the workshops earlier in
the week. These sessions focused on how to get legislation passed
on behalf of the growing numbers of people diagnosed with autism. |
| During the upcoming
year, Walsh said she hopes to raise some money that will allow more
families to make the trip next year. She sells T-shirts and puzzle
ribbons. " If we can raise $1000, maybe we can dole out $100 to 10
families so they can get a hotel room in Washington next year," Walsh
said. "There is so much information here. So many people with stories
that can help." |
| Among the speakers
at the rally was Danielle Burton, daughter of Dan Burton of Indiana,
and herself the mom of an autistic child. She read a letter on behalf
of her father. He wrote that he is amazed with what parents of autistic
kids must do in their day to day lives. |
| Anyone seeking
information on Autism may go to several web sites including unlockingautism.org.
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