Dr. John Pomeroy, Director of the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University, second from left, assembles with the Fresolone family at the 2009 Cody Walk. The family's team raised half of the proceeds from the walk. Also pictured, from left, are: Ralph, Olivia, Matthew, Victoria, and Jeannette Fresolone.

The 4th annual Cody Center Walk for Autism and Developmental Disabilities took place Sunday, May 3, at Stony Brook University. The event raised more than $28,000 for the Matt and Debra Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at SBU, which will be used to support research, education and community programs at the Cody Center. 
On Long Island, nearly 90,000 people have been diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Autism is the most common among developmental disabilities with as many as 1 in 150 children being diagnosed.     

 Stony Brook University faculty, students, family and friends of the Cody Center, and the Stony Brook area community, came out  to walk 2.2 miles or a shorter marked route for those in wheelchairs and children in strollers. This year’s walk included children’s activities, music (including a performance by Janice Buckner), and an indoor resource center.
 Much of this year’s fundraising success can be attributed to the dedication of the Fresolone family, whose team raised half of this year’s funds. 
Next year’s Cody Walk is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2010.  For those interested in joining a Cody Walk committee or becoming a team captain, please call 631-632-8983. To donate to the Cody Center, visit www.codycenter.org.
      Founded in 2001, the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University has a mission to advance the care for many individuals in the region with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. The Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to care and consultation, which includes physicians, psychologists, social workers and others who specialize in the care of those with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.