Autism support group planning walk-a-thon event to raise awareness

A local not-for-profit group, Ethan & Friends for Autism, is holding its first walk-a-thon on Saturday at the Osage Community Centre.

Profits from the annual event will help area families pay for certain medical services and therapy for their autistic children not covered by insurance.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and walkers will walk along a marked path on the Cape La Croix Trail. In the event of rain, the walk will be moved inside the Osage Community Centre's gymnasium.

Ethan & Friends was founded in 2003 by Cape Girardeau resident Mike Sciortino after his grandson, Ethan, was diagnosed with autism. Sciortino's daughter and family were required to move more than 1,500 miles away to get Ethan necessary treatment for his autism. Sciortino began holding weekly meetings for families affected by autism.

Since its inception, Ethan & Friends for Autism members have organized support groups and various fund-raising projects to help pay for medical treatment.

"It's a tremendous financial burden to raise a child with autism," said Jackson resident Michelle McAdams, whose 4-year-old son, Nicholas, is autistic.

McAdams said the Ethan & Friends walk-a-thon is a chance for the community to become more aware of autism.

"You sometimes don't see the more severe effect it has on people's lives," McAdams said.

Jackson resident Dena Petzoldt has a 9-year-old son, Benjamin, who is autistic. Petzoldt has been involved with Ethan & Friends since its inception.

Autism rates are growing. Today, one out of every 166th child is diagnosed, Petzoldt said. "It's becoming very common and we want the community to become aware that there is support for families with autistic children."

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246

Want to go?

* What: Ethan & Friends for Autism Walk-a-thon

* When: 9 a.m. Saturday

* Where: Osage Community Centre