Inspiration down on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Tommy Klauber completed his first 5K. (photo Jim Jones)

Prim and Karman Nietro moved all the way from Michigan to Manatee County to enroll their autistic son, Brian, in Pinnacle Academy.

Tim and Donna Neidert moved here from Fort Myers to enroll their son, Travis, at the same school.

Karen Alterisio and her family moved here from Maine to enroll her daughter, Catherine, who has a non-verbal learning disability, at Pinnacle.

I heard the same story over and over again Saturday of parental struggle, sacrifice and love to do whatever it takes to help a child with a bewildering disability.

There were 600 runners, and maybe 1,000 walkers who turned out for the third-annual C.A.R.E. Be Aware of Autism 5K run and one-mile fun walk at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

For more see, the Sunday Herald.

It's Autism Awareness Month. See Vin Mannix's preview:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/29/3068922/parents-urge-others-to-participate.html

Grooving to the music during Saturday's event. (Photo by Jim Jones)

For more photos, visit:
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/04/16/3119408/photo-gallery-care-be-aware-of.html#http://media.bradenton.com/smedia/2011/04/16/12/DSC_1080.standalone.prod_affiliate.69.JPG