Friday is World Autism Day also known as “Light it up Blue” and a Beadys and Okemasis First Nation mother held an event to raise awareness.
Jeanelle Mandes is a First Nations University student and is organized the third annual “Light it up Blue” event in Regina Thursday morning.
She says she wanted to begin raising awareness about Autism after her 6 year-old daughter Sharlize was diagnosed.
“When I first got her diagnosis I had no idea what autism was, so I started researching and came across the Light it up Blue event,” said Mandes.
Guest speakers for Friday’s event included representatives on behalf of the Minister of Health, a representative from the Ministry of Education, Ashley Bakken and Amy Ewart from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, and family members from the autism community.
“I really hope everyone really listened to the speakers,” said Mandes. “And to feel that pride for those with autism awareness and have that understanding to know a little bit something more about autism.”
“Light it up Blue” was held at the First Nations University campus in Regina.