The fourth annual Ryan Bell Memorial Walk and Wheel-A-Thon will be held on Sept. 19 at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. The walk and wheel-athon will take place at Larrison Hall at 2 p.m. Registration is at 1 pm. There will be a 1.5-mile walk, refreshments, entertainment and giveaways. The registration fee is $25 which will be waived if a participant raises $100 or more.

Proceeds from this event will benefit LADACIN Network, a nonprofit agency providing education, therapeutic, social, residential and support services to more than 2,800 infants, children and adults with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities.

In 2007, Ryan’s parents, Marlene and Stephen Bell, and brother, Matt, of Marlboro, created the event to bring together friends and family and celebrate the memory of Ryan’s life. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 9.

Ryan was an endearing boy who loved his family, sports, the outdoors and his school. He received education, therapy and other services at LADACIN’s Schroth School five days a week, year round, for seven years.

When the bus would pull into his driveway in the morning to pick him up, he could hardly contain his excitement.

Ryan’s father, Stephen, recalled, “The services he received and the commitment of the staff had an extraordinary impact on Ryan’s life. Despite his disabilities and the challenges he faced, he had an incredible spirit, was always quick to smile or laugh, and touched the lives of many people. We look forward to this event as an opportunity to celebrate Ryan’s life with family and friends, while raising money in support of LADACIN’s mission.”

According to a press release, the Bell family remains committed to supporting LADACIN Network. Stephen is a member of the Board of Trustees and currently serves as treasurer. Marlene has been active in the agency’s fundraising efforts for many years.

Funds raised from the walk and wheel-athon will support the Schroth Center Inclusive Specialized Playground Project. Children with disabilities cannot access a typical playground and need specialized equipment, rubberized surfaces and wide ramps to enable them to experience the social and therapeutic aspects of play.

The playground at the Schroth Center is in need of refurbishment. The planned inclusive, specialized playground for the Schroth Center is designed for children with disabilities and typically developing children to play together. For some families a new accessible playground will afford them the opportunity to see their child at play outdoors on a playground for the first time.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. The agency is seeking contributions of refreshments from the community. For more information about the event or to make a donation, call community relations at 732- 493-5900. Information about the Ryan Bell Memorial Walk and Wheel-A-Thon can also be found at the agency’s website, www.ladacin.org.