Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

AutismUp soars to new heights with KiteFlite

Caitlin Whyte / WXXI News

AutismUp celebrated its 5th KiteFlite celebration at Capelli Sport Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The parent founded, parent lead organization provides programs to individuals in our community with autism.

The KiteFlite parade/charity walk culminated on center field where participants formed a giant human kite for an aerial photograph illustrating the strength of the community rising up for autism.

Director of Education and Training Rachel Rosner said the kite has been the organization's logo since day one.

“It really gives the feel for soaring, for going up, up, up, and continuing to reach new heights."

Over 100 families were preregistered for the event, raising over $100,000 this year already.

Tina Nersinger is a mom and her family is part of the autism community, she said she wishes more programs were available for young adults.

Credit Caitlin Whyte / WXXI News

"There’s a lot that’s available when kids are young to do, but as they go into adulthood we need more services and support."

Fellow mom Carly Cerone is part of the organization, at the event with her family supporting her 8-year-old son. She said programs through AutismUp have helped him become better at socializing and transitioning. She's happy to have this day each year to celebrate and see everyone “let loose and have no worries at all.”

All of the money raised stays in the Rochester community, to provide programs to individuals with autism.

This story is reported from WXXI's Inclusion Desk