Dare to hope and dream

Parents Run AMOC (Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County) and Mental Health Association in Orange County held the second annual Candlelight Vigil for Autism Sunday evening at the arboretum at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery. The room was filled with parents, children, family members and friends who are affected by autism. Participants lit their candles and many spoke about their children with autism. Some dedicated their candle to the many therapists and teachers who nurture their children. Others dedicated theirs to the siblings who give love and understanding to their brothers and sisters with autism every day. Patti-Ann Dowd, left, and her daughter, Shannon, lit their candle for autism. In the background is Nadia Allen, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Orange County. For more information about autism and related events, contact MHA at 294-7411 ext. 253. (Photo by Linda Smith Hancharick)