FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Crystal Parker
406-240-5199
MTAngelmanWalk@gmail.com

MEDIA ALERT / NEWS RELEASE

MISSOULA to host Montana’s ONLY Fundraising Event for Angelman Syndrome;
Montana’s 2nd Annual Angelman Syndrome Walk
WHO: Open to the public, Individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their families, friends and supporters from
the Greater Missoula-area, Idaho, Wyoming & the rest of Montana
WHAT: 2023 Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) Walk (Registration Site - Virtual Options Available)
WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 2023
Check-in: 10:00am
Walk begins: 11:00am
Followed by Food, Music, and Raffle!
WHERE: Missoula Fairgrounds
Floriculture Building
South Entrance
1101 South Ave W
Missoula, MT
***Interview, photo and video opportunities available with individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their families
from Missoula & other Montana cities***
Last year’s Angelman Syndrome Walk in Montana raised over $18,000, which directly funded support for families
affected by Angelman Syndrome in Montana and surrounding areas. “There is very little awareness surrounding
Angelman Syndrome. That is why we brought the Angelman Syndrome Walk to Montana for a second year,” said local MT
Walk Coordinator Crystal Parker. She shared a personal video of her son, a child with Angelman Syndrome, and what it
means for her family here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x4i8yt0k0y67tit/ASF%20Walk%20Video2023.mp4?dl=0

ABOUT ANGELMAN SYNDROME

Angelman Syndrome is caused by the loss of function of a particular gene during fetal development, resulting in severe
neurological impairment present at birth and lasting for a lifetime. Symptoms vary and include severe developmental
delays, speech impairments, seizures, walking and balance disorders, and frequent laughter and excitability. While there
is no definitive count, it is estimated that Angelman Syndrome occurs in one in every 15,000 live births. An overall lack of
awareness for AS among community and medical individuals often leads to misdiagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and/or
Severe Autism. Driving awareness is crucial for this genetic disability, and Montana needs to know about it.

ABOUT THE ASF

For over 30 years, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) has been dedicated to providing individuals with Angelman
Syndrome and their families support through education, research, and individual resources and grants. The first ASF walk
was hosted in 1999 in Naperville, IL, raising nearly $25,000 and getting more than 200 walk participants. Now, there are
over 10,000 participants at more than 50 walk sites nationally. The ASF has funded over $15 million towards research grants
nationally. For more information about the ASF, visit www.angelman.org.