Joplin, Mo. – More than a thousand adults and children – some decked out as aliens and astronauts – participated in the 16^th Annual Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 22.

Per tradition, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker stood at the starting line and wished them well as 500 registered runners and walkers, many of them wearing specialized shirts or themed costumes, broke through the starting tape.

“Without you,” Baker said about the participants, volunteers, donors and sponsors, “we simply couldn’t do what we do at the Leffen Center. Thanks to you, we provide autism behavior analysis services to people of all ages – children and adults.

“Their continued generosity enables us to offer feeding and nutrition services, occupational and speech therapy, special education services, in-home early intervention and diagnostic team services,” she continued. 

While hundreds participated in the combined run and walk, hundreds more cheered from the sidelines, taking time to purchase autism awareness items and raffle baskets or participating in a nearby vendor fair.

This year’s walk and run, Leffen Center’s largest fundraiser, raised $30,000, according to Edie Spera, Leffen Center director. Proceeds from the walk and run assist with program development and scholarships.

“We always look forward to it,” Spera said of the annual event, “and the community looks forward to it, too. Everyone cheers each other on. It’s a lot of fun.”

Because autism now affects one in every 44 individuals across the nation, “it’s important we continue to ensure world-class autism services are available right here in our communities, so families don’t have to travel great distances to get the care they need and deserve,” Baker said.

For more information or to learn more about the services the Leffen Center offers, visit www.freemanhealth.com/location/bill-virginia-leffen-center-for-autism or call 417.347.7850.