JOPLIN, Mo. – A smiling Houston Edgerton enthusiastically unveiled the theme for the 2025 Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism, announcing the words, “Under the Sea!”

Houston’s family – known as “Team Houston” – has been the top fundraising team for the last four Autism Walks. Houston’s enthusiastic announcement was met by applause and cheers during the registration kickoff event, held Tuesday morning at Ozark Center Hope Spring. Above Houston’s head, this year’s theme featured a smiling octopus and starfish wearing headbands at the bottom of the ocean.

The popular community event is set for 8:00 am Saturday, April 26, at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, 2808 S. Picher Ave. in Joplin.

During the ceremony, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker said autism now affects one in every 36 individuals nationwide, which is why it’s so important the Joplin-based Leffen Center continues to provide world-class autism services to the families in the Joplin area who desperately need it. 

“Your participation in the Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism means the world to us. Without you, we simply couldn’t do what we do at the Leffen Center,” Baker said. “Thanks to you, we provide Autism Behavior Analysis to people of all ages — kids and adults. Your generosity also enables us to offer feeding and nutrition services, occupational and speech therapy, Special Education Services, in-home early intervention, and diagnostic team services.

“There’s been a special place in my heart for our autism program since it began in 2007,” Baker continued. “Every year, you band together with Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism to help children and adults as they look forward to a future that’s brimming with hope.”

Vicky Mieseler, Chief Administrative Officer for Ozark Center, announced the opening of registration for the 2025 Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism. This is the fifth year the Leffen Center has partnered with Freeman to host the event.

“Starting today, anyone wishing to participate in either the 5K or the Walk may register online as an individual, as part of an existing team, or even create a team of their own,” she said.

Individuals and teams who would like to participate in the 5K or Walk can register at runsignup.com/Freeman5K. They can also get more information by calling 417-347-7850.

Mieseler also mentioned plenty of fun activities for those not racing or walking, including a vendor fair with booths from Ozark Center and other organizations about available services and resources, raffle tickets, a food truck, and an appearance by Guardians of the Four States professional cosplayers.

The top three family teams who raise the most money will be eligible for three prizes – “Sea-rific Spa Day,” (third place), “Deep Dive Date Night” (second place) and “Oceanic Adventure” Branson package (first place). 

“This year’s 5K and Walk is already on track to be the biggest one yet,” Mieseler said. “When you support this event or become a participant in it, you help to ensure the development of programs that provide life-changing services to those who might not otherwise have access to them.”

The mile-long walk and certified 5K will raise funds that support program development and scholarship assistance at Leffen Center. It also helps educate the public about autism spectrum disorder, in which more than 5.4 million adults in the nation, or 2.2% of the population, are on the autism spectrum. Overall, Leffen Center provides diagnostic, treatment and educational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

“I invite you all to join us in making the 2025 Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism a success,” Mieseler said.