DeSales, Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Lehigh Valley Join Forces for Walkathon/5K
Dozens of people braved the wet weather as DeSales University and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Lehigh Valley (CDCLV) hosted a Walkathon/5K in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Students in the Division of Business capstone course have worked closely with the CDCLV over the past two years to boost the organization’s marketing efforts, expand its presence on social media, and to revive the walkathon fundraiser.
“This center—providing learning help for kids with dyslexia free of charge—was something we all immediately were passionate about,” says Kaylah Mullen ’20. “Helping them reach their goals by planning the walkathon was more than just a project for us. Working directly with Marilyn Mathis, the director of the center, was a great experience in communication and a professional environment.”
It’s estimated that one in five children may have dyslexia, a neurological learning disability that negatively affects the parts of the brain associated with language. Children with untreated dyslexia have difficulty recognizing organized letters and words, which impacts their ability to read, write, and spell. The CDCLV provides, free of charge, reading and written language tutorial services for children with dyslexia, and training for educators to become reading resources in their schools and communities.
“The main purpose of this walk and 5K is to raise awareness of dyslexia as an often undiagnosed problem that can be solved, and to help the center in its teaching and outreach efforts to help all children reach their full potential,” says Dr. Thomas Craig, assistant professor in the Division of Business.
In addition to raising awareness and funding, the CDCLV hopes the event offers a solution for families whose children may suffer from dyslexia, and that it inspires new teachers looking to volunteer their time and skills.
