Governor Ritter has proclaimed May 17, 2008 as Angelman Awareness Day in Colorado in conjunction with our fourth annual walkathon. The first walk begain 10 years ago in Chicago. This year close to 400 families and friends, including Tyler of Henderson and siblings Josh and Megan from Thornton, will be supporting 42 individuals with AS at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. There are also walks in: Birmingham, AL; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Ft. Worth; Des Moines, IA; Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Las Vegas, NV; Mobile, AL; Nashville, TN; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; St. Cloud, MN; St. Louis, MO; and Washington, DC.

Angelman Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is largely misdiagnosed as either autism or cerebral palsy. Individuals with Angelman Syndrome are developmentally delayed, have difficulty with balance and walking, sometimes laugh inappropriately and experience seizures. Most individuals with Angelman Syndrome cannot speak. They will require care for their entire lives.

The prevalence of AS is estimated as 1:15,000 live births. Angelman Syndrome occurs equally in males, females and all ethnic groups. A large portion of the Angelman population, especially adults and minorities, remain undiagnosed.

Angelman Syndrome was first identified in 1965 by British pediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman. The genetic marker was identified in 1997. Angelman Syndrome is a malfunction of the ubiquitin protein gene, located in the region of the UBE3A gene on the 15 th chromosome. Angelman Syndrome is of great interest as an example of genetic imprinting.

Research in Angelman Syndrome will lead to further breakthroughs in the treatment and understanding of seizures, autism and many other neurological and genetic disorders.

Organizers of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation National Walk-A-Thon hope that these annual walk-a-thons will raise awareness and encourage further diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. The money raised will be used for education, support and medical research.

In 2007, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation was able to fund over $700,000 in research. Ten research proposals will be funded in 2007-2008 thanks to the fundraising efforts of Angelman families and friends across the country. Each year brings us One Step Closer to a better life for individuals with Angelman Syndrome.

The Denver walk begins at 9:15 am on Saturday, May 17th. A big thank you to Brighton Early Rotary Club and Confluence Ministries, for sending volunteers to assist with registration and a BBQ after the walk. For more information about the walk, contact Cindy Snyder at cinnredsnyder@juno.com.