The Ateek family, of Skippack, Pa., showed their support.
By Donald Wittkowski
Eileen, Anne and Judy Donovan would all pitch in to help care for their twin sisters, both of whom had brain damage.
One of the twins, Peggy, died at only 10 years old. The other, Patty, lived to be 39.
“We all took care of them,” Eileen Donovan recalled. “They were in the hospital a lot.”
The experience of looking after their twin sisters inspired the Donovans to enter the medical profession. Eileen, now 69, became a nurse, Anne, 64, is an ultrasound technician and Judy, 54, is an office worker at an orthopedics practice.
On Sunday, the Donovans were doing their part again to help people suffering from brain disorders – this time as participants in the annual Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism event in Sea Isle City.
“I hope we can help out,” Eileen Donovan said. “I think people are more aware of autism now. It certainly is out there.”
From left, sisters Judy, Anne and Eileen Donovan and their dogs Myrtlemae and Scarlet took part in the walk.
With temperatures at the Jersey Shore climbing into the 60s on a spring-like day, more than 3,000 people were expected to turn out for the autism walk-run, one of the biggest crowds ever, if not a record, organizers said.
Husband and wife Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, owners of Mike’s Seafood in Sea Isle, organize the event each year to raise money for autism organizations, programs and support groups. Mike Monichetti estimated the proceeds would be more than $100,000 this year.
“Everybody knows someone with autism,” said Monichetti, whose 15-year-son, Michael Jr., and 17-year-old daughter, Kara, both have autism. “Any day you can do something special for children with autism is a great day.”
Jeannie and Mike Monichetti, owners of Mike's Seafood in Sea Isle, organize the event.
The walk-run for autism is one of the major events during Sea Isle’s annual Polar Bear Weekend festivities, which coincide with the Presidents Day holiday weekend. An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 visitors were expected to pour into the beach town over the three-day weekend.
The Ateek family, of Skippack, Pa., was on hand to show support.
The Ateeks said they talk to their young children about autism, homelessness and other social issues so they will be aware – and respectful of – the challenges faced by other people.
“We talk all the time,” Tara Ateek said. “Around Thanksgiving, we discuss the homeless people so they will understand.”
Eileen, Anne and Judy Donovan participated in the autism walk for the first time. Eileen, of Avalon, and Anne, of Media, Pa., also brought along their dogs. Judy lives in Tinicum, Pa.
Anne noted that her 10-year-old godson has autism, a developmental disability that makes it difficult for people who have it to communicate and interact with others.
Before she began working as an ultrasound technician, Anne had experience caring for autistic children and other students with special needs when she formerly served as a teacher’s aide.
“They’re very hard to work with because they usually don’t communicate well and don’t like to be touched,” she said. “The most challenging thing is getting them to pay attention and focus.”
Autism, which has no known cure, usually appears in children before they are 3 years old. On average, autism affects one in every 68 children, according to the National Autism Association.
A sign on the Promenade advertises the event.
