-- A Foundation Born from Love and Purpose
The Walking With Alex Foundation, founded by Carol Ghanem and co-founded by Nina Garayan, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children with autism and developmental challenges. Its mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their diagnosis or geography, has access to the therapies, education, and opportunities they need to thrive.
From its inception, the foundation’s purpose has been guided by compassion, empathy, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves dignity, confidence, and joy. Inspired by the extraordinary journey of Nina’s son, Alex, the foundation serves as both a tribute to his strength and a call to action for families across Armenia, Lebanon, and beyond who continue to face barriers to care and inclusion.
Through partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and therapy providers, the foundation works to create sustainable programs that nurture independence, social connection, and lifelong growth.
The Story That Sparked a Movement
The foundation’s story began with a deeply personal journey. When Nina Garayan’s son, Alex, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, her world changed forever. Living in the United States, she was able to access essential therapies and developmental programs that allowed Alex to make remarkable progress. However, as she connected with families in Armenia and Lebanon, she realized that many children did not have the same opportunities.
Determined to bridge that divide, Nina began supporting children’s programs and orphanages in Armenia. Over time, her advocacy led to the production of a documentary that shed light on the daily struggles faced by families raising autistic children in regions where awareness and resources are scarce. The documentary became a catalyst for change, inspiring her to build a lasting initiative to address the systemic gaps in autism care.
In the process, Nina met Carol Ghanem, a mother and lifelong advocate for children with special needs, who shared her vision. Carol’s years of volunteer work and mentorship in inclusive education reinforced her belief that love, structure, and community collaboration can open pathways to independence and joy. Together, they transformed shared empathy into organized action, founding the Walking With Alex Foundation as a vehicle for sustainable impact.
Bridging Gaps in Autism Awareness and Support
Autism affects millions of families around the world, yet access to therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and speech therapy remains limited in many regions. Walking With Alex Foundation aims to close that gap by funding therapy programs, training professionals, and providing families with educational resources that empower them to support their children’s development.
By collaborating with local governments, schools, and NGOs, the foundation develops community-based initiatives designed to increase autism awareness and normalize inclusion. The organization’s programs also focus on early intervention, parent education, and creating safe spaces for children to engage, learn, and connect.
“Our goal is to ensure that no child is left without the support they need,” said co-founder Nina Garayan. “Through love, persistence, and the right resources, progress is always possible,” said founder Carol Ghanem.
A Vision for Lifelong Inclusion
While much of the world’s focus is on early intervention, the Walking With Alex Foundation recognizes that the need for support continues throughout adulthood. Many individuals with autism lose access to services after age 18, leading to isolation and limited opportunities for growth.
To address this issue, the foundation’s long-term vision includes the creation of a dedicated center for autistic individuals over the age of 18. This center will provide therapeutic programs, vocational training, and community activities aimed at fostering independence and belonging.
“For many families, the journey doesn’t end when a child becomes an adult, it becomes even more challenging,” said founder Carol Ghanem. “We believe that every person, regardless of age or ability, deserves purpose, dignity, and inclusion.”
The proposed center will serve as a model of care and community integration, ensuring that individuals with autism continue to thrive beyond childhood and into adulthood.
Expanding Hope Across Borders
The foundation’s work extends beyond immediate therapy access. It also focuses on education and advocacy to reshape cultural perceptions of autism. In regions where awareness remains low, stigma often isolates families and prevents children from receiving necessary care.
Through educational campaigns, public outreach, and professional partnerships, Walking With Alex Foundation strives to replace misunderstanding with empathy and knowledge. Its goal is to cultivate societies that see ability instead of limitation.
Additionally, the foundation leverages digital platforms and global partnerships to reach donors and supporters worldwide. With the help of its growing online community, the organization has been able to raise awareness and secure funding for programs that make measurable differences in the lives of children and families.
The Power of Collaboration
Walking With Alex Foundation recognizes that lasting change requires collective effort. By engaging with educators, therapists, parents, and donors, the organization builds networks that strengthen both local and global impact.
Through its partnerships, the foundation funds therapeutic programs, establishes parent education workshops, and sponsors awareness events that celebrate neurodiversity. These initiatives aim to create sustainable frameworks so that communities can continue supporting children with autism long after initial interventions are in place.
“Every partnership we form strengthens our mission,” said founder Carol Ghanem. “Together, we are building a bridge of compassion that connects families, professionals, and advocates in a shared pursuit of hope.”
A Call to Walk Together
Walking With Alex Foundation’s message is one of unity and inclusion. It calls upon communities, organizations, and individuals around the world to walk hand in hand toward a more compassionate future for children and families affected by autism.
Those who wish to learn more or contribute can visit WalkingWithAlex.com. Donations directly fund therapy programs, educational outreach, and the development of long-term care initiatives.
“Walking With Alex is more than a foundation, it’s a movement of love and hope,” shared co-founders Carol and Nina. “We walk for Alex, and for every child whose potential deserves to shine.”
About Walking With Alex Foundation
Founded by Carol Ghanem and Nina Garayan, the Walking With Alex Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering children with autism and developmental challenges. Through partnerships, advocacy, and education, the foundation provides access to therapies, resources, and opportunities in regions with limited autism support. Its programs span Armenia, Lebanon, and the United States, focusing on sustainable inclusion, awareness, and community engagement.
To learn more, visit WalkingWithAlex.com or follow the foundation on Instagram @WalkingWithAlexFoundation.
Media Contact
Nina Garayan
Walking With ALEX Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: WalkingWithAlex.com
Instagram: @WalkingWithAlexFoundation
Instagram: @GarayanLawGroup
Instagram: @cghanem47
Contact Info:
Name: Nina Garayan
Email: Send Email
Organization: Walking With ALEX Foundation
Website: https://walkingwithalex.com/
Release ID: 89175898
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