STATESVILLE, N.C. (Thursday, April 21) – Daniel Hemric, driver of the No. 19 Oakmont Management Group Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) and Autism Delaware are teaming up together to raise funds and awareness for autism.
On Saturday, April 23, Hemric will take part in the Walk for Autism at Fox Point State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Hemric will sign autographs and participate in a Guinness World Record attempt to create the longest double high-five chain. There will also be a show truck on site for an up close and personal look inside of Hemric’s Ford F-150.
Three weeks later, Hemric’s race truck will sport a hood decal promoting autism education and awareness in the NCWTS race at Dover International Speedway on Friday, May 13. In addition, Hemric has produced a PSA encouraging race fans to purchase tickets for the Dover race weekend, with a portion of each ticket price directly benefitting Autism Delaware.
“I’m excited to join Autism Delaware in their efforts to raise awareness of autism,” said Hemric. “I know that autism can affect entire families, and feel fortunate to be able to represent such a great cause. I can’t wait for everyone to join me and many others for the walk and world record attempt in Wilmington this Saturday, and I encourage everybody to help support Autism Delaware by purchasing their tickets for the NASCAR Camping World Truck, XFINITY and Cup Series races at the Monster Mile on May 13-15th.”
Hemric will be actively promoting autism awareness via social media throughout of the remainder of April, which is Autism Awareness Month.
One in 68 kids in the United States are diagnosed with some form of autism. That’s more than diabetes, AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome combined. Autism Delaware provides vital programs and services for families and individuals affected by autism.
About autism spectrum disorder and Autism Delaware:/strong>
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that includes impairment in social interaction and social communication. Individuals with ASD also exhibit repetitive patterns of behavior or interest that limit everyday functioning. An intellectual or language impairment is also possible. All these symptoms will first appear in early childhood.
According to the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), any individual with a well-established DSM-4 diagnosis should be given the diagnosis of “autism spectrum disorder,” or ASD, for short. (In the DSM-4, the diagnoses included classic autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified [PDD-NOS]). ASD is categorized by severity on a scale of one to three.
Autism Delaware is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of individuals with ASD, their family members, the professionals who serve them, and friends of people with ASD.The agency’s mission is to help people and families affected by ASD. With offices in Newark, Dover, and Lewes, Autism Delaware serves the entire state.
Autism Delaware’s programs and services are supported by state contracts and generous donations from individuals and corporations across Delaware. Fundraising events, such as the Walk for Autism, help provide the income needed to make critical programs a reality. For more information on how to help, visit autismdelaware.org.
About Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR):
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina and led by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Brad Keselowski (@Keselowski), Brad Keselowski Racing (@TeamBKR) fields the No. 19 and the No. 29 Fords in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. BKR aims to provide young talented drivers the opportunity to improve their skills with a professional, competitive team. For more information, please visit www.BradRacing.com andwww.TeamBKR.com.
