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Every year the number of tragic, preventable wandering deaths rises. We need to do all we can to make sure Kevin and Avonte’s bill is voted into law.

It’s not uncommon for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease to wander. What makes this particularly worrying is that this can happen regardless of how advanced the disease is. In fact, some research suggests that at least 60% of Alzheimer’s suffers will wander at some point during the progression of the disease. This often results in a person getting separated from their loved ones, and can put their life at risk.

I recall only too clearly my shock at hearing the news of yet another wandering tragedy. This time a 5-year old boy with autism who wandered from his family’s New Year’s Eve party only to be found two days later in the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania. Once again, we are reminded that more needs to be done to keep children with special needs safe.

At 3 a.m. EST on December 11th, just when it seemed all hope was lost, an NYPD detective directed by the AngelSense team, was able to track and find a wandering 17-year-old old with autism and bring him home safely after a 7 hour non-stop night ride in the New York City subway system.

Earlier this month marked the second anniversary of the tragic disappearance of Avonte Oquendo, a young autistic teenager, from his school in Queens. After an extensive three month search, his body was found in New York City’s East River. But his story doesn’t end here. Avonte’s face has became a symbol in the autism community.