By Brian Zanzonico
Their mother, Lori, isn't sure if its because they like the way the grains of sand feel on the bottom of their feet. Or if they associate the beach with Surfers Healing, a group of California-based surfers who come to Long Island once a year to give autistic children - the Troys included - rides atop surfboards on the Atlantic Ocean.
On Sunday, the Troys - and about 15,000 others - will be at Jones Beach for the 7th annual Long Island Walk for Autism Research. Hundreds of walk teams, including the Troy Twins Troops comprised of family and friends, from every community across Long Island will carry banners and matching team T-shirts and march along the 3.1 mile walk route on the Jones Beach boardwalk. Last year, 13,000 participants raised more than $1.2 million for autism research.
"On top of it being a fun day, it's a great feeling to see all the people come out and support the kids," said Lori, who lives with her two sons and husband, Kevin, in Franklin Square. "To see 13,000 people come down to be a part of it is so great."
Officials from Autism Speaks, a not-for-profit autism awareness and fund-raising group, are expecting an even greater turnout this year. Long Island Walk Manager Linda Berman said 500 walk teams have already registered, and $600,000 has been raised. Onsite registration will bring even more teams and donations. Berman said the Jones Beach walk is one of 51 autism awareness walks that take place around the world each year.
"Long Island has the largest, most successful walk in the world," Berman said. "We draw the most teams, and raise the most money."
To date, Long Island Walks for Autism Research have raised close to $9 million.
"There is such a feeling of optimism, hope and solidarity the day of the walk," Berman said.
This will be the third year for the Troy Twins Troop. Lori learned about it from one of the boys' therapists shortly after the twins were diagnosed with autism at 20 months. But she didn't want to just show up the day of the event. She wanted to make a special, yearly impact on autism research for her sons.
"I thought, lets make a tribute to them," she said. "Lets get their own team."
Soon, they rallied dozens of friends and family members to join the Troy Twins Troop. Each year since, the members of the team have walked the 3.1 miles. Except Lori and the boys. They usually head straight for the moon bounce houses or get their faces painted in the entertainment area. This year will include a sports pavilion featuring interactive games courtesy of the New York Islanders, New York Knicks and Long Island Lizards. Lori doesn't plan to be in that section, however.
"This is the first year all three of us will try to walk it," Lori said.
Lori considers herself lucky. Her boys can speak, love affection and never shy away from eye contact. Kevin is outgoing and loves being the center of attention. Michael likes to cuddle and is warm one-on-one, but doesn't crave the attention like his brother. Other families aren't so fortunate. Lori said she plans to rally the Troy Twins Troop every year until researchers find a cure. She'll do it as long as it takes for the tide to turn in unlocking the key to the mystery of autism.
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