NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — Two branches of First Source FCU will be illuminated by blue lights during April in honor Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Autism Acceptance Month.
In addition, employees wore blue on Thursday, April 2, celebrating World Autism Awareness Day, and on Saturday, April 11, for World Parkinson’s Awareness Day, the Rome Sentinel reported.
“Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change,” Pam Way, community engagement manager, with the $1.1-billion First Source told the Sentinel. “By lighting our buildings blue, we’re showing our support for all those touched by Parkinson’s disease and autism. We want our members, neighbors, and the community to know they’re not alone,” Way added. “Even small gestures can spark conversations that lead to greater understanding.”
Nearly 10-Million Affected
The Rome Sentinel noted Parkinson’s disease affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, according to conditions experts. There are more than 65,000 people who suffer from Parkinson’s in New York State, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the Sentinel added, Autism Acceptance Month highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum through inclusion and respect. The rate of autism, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now one in 31 children: with boys three to four times more likely than girls to be impacted by the condition.
