Walking Across America in Memory of Elias Tembenis

[Guest guest]

WALKING ACROSS AMERICA FOR AUTISM:

TWO MEN BEGIN JOURNEY FROM CALIFORNIA TO DC THIS TUESDAY

KICKOFF PARTY

THIS SUNDAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

WORCESTER, MA – On Tuesday, two men from Massachusetts will begin The

Elias Tembenis Walk for Autism, a year-long journey across America to raise

autism awareness and funds to assist children with the diagnosis.

Leaving their families, home, and work behind, and Bobby

Genese of Worcester will walk approximately 3000 miles in honor of Elias

Tembenis, a seven-year-old boy with autism who passed away last November

following a seizure. Harry and Tembenis, also of Worcester, hope the

walk will honor their son’s memory while helping children and families

affected by autism.

A kickoff ceremony will be held this Sunday at Jillian’s in San

Francisco. and Genese will take a day to rest before their

twelve-month journey begins on Tuesday. The walk will take place primarily on

Route 50 and the American Discovery Trail, starting in San Francisco and

ending in Washington DC.

Proceeds will benefit the National Autism Association’s Helping Hand

Program, a national fund assisting families unable to afford autism therapy

and medical services, and will also support autism initiatives in

Elias’s hometown. “We can’t thank the guys enough for what

they’re doing,” commented Rita Shreffler of the National Autism

Association. “With the rise in autism, our community is starving for

aid. and Bobby are two very amazing people.”

The public is welcome to meet and Genese and wish them well during

the kickoff ceremony from 12 to 4 PM PST. Jillian’s is located at 101

4th Street, San Francisco, in the South end of the Metreon Building.

To learn more about Elias and how to support The Elias Tembenis walk, visit www.nationalautism.org/eliaswalk.

-

30 -

Think Autism. Think Cure.