Special-Needs Kids Are Focus of Saturday Charity Walk

A nonprofit pediatric clinic in Lake Forest will raise money for children with special needs Saturday at its .

after the death of their daughter, Hailey Mayz Vassilaros, at age 3, the  assists under-insured or uninsured families with pediatric care.

Funds raised at the one-mile Walk for Amayzing Kids will help families that have difficulty affording care for their children, said clinic founder Sean Vassilaros.

"We are raising money for our 'therapy scholarship' programs for kids with special needs," he said. "All money raised will be used to improve the facility, buy equipment, and give out financial assistance to families who can't afford the therapy their child needs."

Since it opened its doors in September of 2011, the clinic has gone from performing 20 treatments monthly to nearly 500 this May, he said.

The event Saturday kicks off at 10 a.m. at the clinic, Suite 100 at 20902 Bake Pkwy.

Walks will begin at 10, 10:30, 11, and 11:30 a.m.

So the entire family can participate in the walk, there will be activities along the way for children (3 and under are free). An all-you-can eat barbecue for attendees will be held at the clinic once the walks conclude.

Those interested in walking need to register online. Registration is $25 online; $35 the day of the walk. Cost includes an event T-shirt and the barbecue.

Also at the event will be live music, Penelope the Princess Pony, face painting, balloon animals and clinic tours.

Vassilaros said the clinic is planning other fundraisers as well, including an October golf tournament at Tijeras Creek in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Read about the clinic's start here: