Walking to fund autism research
Marla Napurano (SMG’06) combines event planning and management skills to organize a walk for autism research.
Marla Napurano (SMG’06) has been an event-planning intern with the New England chapter of Autism Speaks since July, and part of her duties has been helping to plan the Greater Boston Walk for Autism Research, which will take place Sunday, October 15, in Brighton’s Artesani Park.
Autism Speaks is an organization dedicated to funding autism research and raising awareness of those who suffer from autism spectrum disorders. Napurano and another intern were in charge of “the behind-the-scenes work” for the October event.
To encourage BU participation in the walk, Napurano formed her own group, Team Terriers. This student coalition will represent BU during the 3.1-mile walk.
During her few months at Autism Speaks, Napurano has already helped arrange four other walks in the New England area. “I did this because I thought it’d be an interesting experience to have,” she says. “I have a family friend with autism, and I’m interested in event planning.”
Autism Speaks has recently merged with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), so the October 15 walk is the last it will hold this year in New England.