Emily Josephson of West Windsor is chairing this year’s Central NJ Walk Now for Autism Speaks event at Mercer County Community College on Sunday, October 7, beginning at 10 a.m. The event is focused on raising funds for autism research and advocacy. Josephson will walk with her daughter, Isabel, an eighth grade student at Grover Middle School.
“Autism spectrum disorders are now diagnosed in 1 in every 88 children, 1 in 49 in New Jersey, making it the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.,” says Josephson. “I really felt strongly about the organization; it does a great job with newly diagnosed families — including who to talk to and where to go.” Josephson, a stay at home mom, became involved with the organization six years ago. Autism speaks raises funds and awareness, helps families affected by autism, and advocates for families with autism.
Raised in Pittsburgh, Josephson graduated from Penn State and headed for New York City. She worked in national advertising in magazines for 15 years. One of her co-workers at Better Homes and Garden magazine was the brother of her future husband, Seth Josephson, an attorney.
The family lived in Plainsboro for five years and in West Windsor for the past 10 years. Isabel’s brother, Louis, is a sixth grade student at Grover Middle School.
Josephson is a board member of both Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Center. Her husband is on the board of Beth El Synagogue. Autism Speaks was a large part of Isabel’s mitzvah project, and she is a new member of Jewish Community Youth Foundation, an organization focusing on community giving and allocating funds. “She is a caring person,” says her mother. “Isabel has also been involved with setting up, cleaning up, and working at the event.”
Other events on walk day include face painting, rock climbing, crafts, music, and dancing. The 1.5-mile walk starts at noon.
“I believe in the mission to help families affected by autism and am very honored to chair the event,” Josephson says.
Walk Now, Autism Speaks, Mercer Community College, West Windsor. Sunday, October 7, 9 a.m. Register online. 609-228-7332 or www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/cnj.
