LETTERS: CYCLE CREW RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM, THANKS LOCAL PARTICIPANTS

To the editor:

As coordinators of Cycle to Understand and Solve Autism, we want to thank the Southeast Missourian for its coverage of our event.

Special thanks to Project Hope and its coordinator, Denis Rigdon. The Cycle USA bike crew really appreciated the sleeping and dining facilities and the opportunity to unwind with a game of basketball.

Project Hope also gave a generous donation to help find the cure for autism.

Thanks to Jan and Steve Gerard, who furnished the bike route and also escorted the bikers through Illinois and Kentucky.

The Cycle USA crew consisted of the main rider, Sgt. John Keating, a Canadian policeman; Ron Oberleitner, Princeton, N.J.; Bob Scott, Liverpool, England; and a support group driving two trucks.

They are on an 81-day journey from New York City to San Diego covering 7,200 miles and stops in 44 cities.

This is a group of people who have devoted their lives to help raise the awareness of autism because they have been personally affected. Some of these fathers will never hear the phrase "I love you, Daddy" from their children.

It's a shame more people didn't show up to welcome real, live heroes to Cape Girardeau, which is a good and caring community. Next time, I'm sure there will be a better reception.

TOM and MARTHA MORGAN

Kennett, Mo.