Autism walk in Cape Girardeau raises $5,000

Despite the rain clouds gathered Saturday morning above the Show Me Center, almost 300 people participated in the first Autism Speaks Walk. The event sponsored by the Southeast Missouri State University chapter of Alpha Xi Delta sorority raised almost $5,000 for Autism Speaks, the sorority's national philanthropy.

"For our first walk, this was a huge success. This will be an annual event, so we hope to raise awareness as we prepare for next year," said Elizabeth Greenman, Alpha Xi Delta area facilitator for the Midwest.

The walk was dedicated to 8-year-old Cooper Young, the autistic son of Alpha Xi Delta alumna Monica Young. Cooper led the procession of walkers as they began the half-mile course through Southeast's campus. He was also presented a medal in honor of the walk.

Like the Young family, many of the walkers were directly affected by the developmental disorder.

"I am walking because my son has autism," Linda Randolph said. Her 9-year-old son, Zachary, was diagnosed four years ago with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism.

Not all of the walkers had family members with autism, but participated to help raise awareness and bring attention to the university.

"This is good for the Southeast students and the children with autism. I support all of the organizations that represent the university," Steven Taylor said.

This is the first year Alpha Xi Delta has partnered nationally with Autism Speaks. Barbara Goode, with Autism Speaks in St. Louis, said she is pleased with the new alliance.

"When we heard Alpha Xi Delta was looking for a new charity, we were hoping they would pick us. They are going to bat for us. We really appreciate it," Goode said.

Kacie Wilbanks, president of Southeast's chapter of Alpha Xi Delta, said the walk created much needed awareness and funds for Autism Speaks.

"With autism affecting more children than AIDS, pediatric cancer and diabetes combined, it is our job as Alpha Xi Deltas and the community to listen as autism speaks," Wilbanks said.

State Sen. Jason Crowell spoke at the event's kickoff. He said that with all the things college students could be doing on a Saturday, he was pleased they chose to participate in an autism walk.

"I really appreciate all of your efforts in planning this. The state of Missouri is at the cutting edge of what we can do to make tomorrow a little bit better for those that are enduring autism," Crowell said.

Connie Hebert, director of the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis & Treatment, said diagnosed cases of autism are steadily increasing.

"From 1997 to 2007 we saw a 103 percent increase in the number of autism cases in Southeast Missouri," Hebert said.

In addition to the walk, there were information booths sponsored by community groups, including the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis & Treatment, The Tailor Institute, TouchPoint Autism Services, The Thompson Center and Autism Speaks.