Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Friends of Cody take part in an Angelman syndrome awareness walk in New Ulm ahead of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation walk in Wilmar. Front to back, McKenzie Connor, Pat Woratschka, Heidi Connor, John, Monica Buboltz and Carrie Borchert.

NEW ULM — A local Angelman syndrome awareness walk took place on the bike circle path Thursday evening.

The local walk was organized as a local awareness effort ahead of the national Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) walk scheduled for Saturday, May 18.

The ASF is promoting over 60 walks nationwide on Saturday. Those participating in ASF walks are helping raise money to support research and assistance for those impacted by Angelman syndrome. This year, the Minnesota ASF walk is hosted by Wilmar.

Carrie Borchert said the local Angelman walk was held to raise awareness and support for a local man with Angelman syndrome named Cody.

Several of Cody’s friends took part in the awareness walk and a few will attend the ASF event in Wilmar on Saturday.

Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and affects an estimated one in 12,000 to 20,000 people.

The ASF fundraiser walk starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Robbins Island Park in Wilmar. For more information visit https://www.angelman.org/walk/.