Walk for Autism to benefit uninsured families

The Northern New York Autism Foundation Inc. hopes its second annual Walk for Autism on March 27 at Salmon Run Mall will raise $20,000 to help families with underinsured or uninsured relatives with autism.

Money raised through the foundation offers Northern New York Autism Center clinic patients scholarships for the center's services.

"Some of that will go toward our general operating budget, but what our real goal is is to be able to continue to offer free services or discounted services to families who need it," said Cynthia S. Barker, the center's fundraising and marketing coordinator.

Although a physician assistant sees most of the 100 clients, on the first Saturday of each month, the center hosts Dr. Bruce Russell of Port Aransas, Texas. Ms. Barker said the cost of service depends on the child and type of visit, "but it's not cheap."

"We're looking really to be able to start helping more of our families financially, and new families," she said.

The center also helps families with autistic children throughout the country, as consultations also are done over the phone.

Ms. Barker said last year was tough for the agency because it was broken into the weekends of April 25-26 and May 9-10.

"They had a really bad year last year because they had some thefts, so we kind of considered last year a wash," she said. "We're starting new as far as that goes. This year, we're hoping to be quite successful."

The Walk for Autism will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving walkers a chance to walk before work, during their lunch break or in the evening. From 8 a.m. to noon, Tunes 92.5 will broadcast live from the event, and there will be face painting, children's activities and displays and information from area nonprofit agencies.

A $15 registration fee is required, unless walk participants raise $150 or more. A prize will be awarded for the youngster who raises the most money.

Ms. Barker said she hopes this year's Walk for Autism kicks off the foundation's fundraising year. She is working on establishing a silent auction dinner dance, among other new fundraisers.

Katherine E. Robertson, director of the Northern New York Autism Center, said she would like more people to be aware that autism is a treatable disorder.

For the walk's registration information, call Ms. Barker at 773-5405.