Twenty-five runners braved the cold Saturday morning to participate in the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity’s first annual Autism Awareness Run at Tiguex Park.
Phi Sigma Pi collaborated with the New Mexico Autism Society to host the run, which raised $700 to be donated to autism awareness.
Event organizer student Shawnna Gaffney said she became interested in autism awareness and research after volunteering at Camp Rising Sun, a summer camp in New Mexico that caters to children diagnosed with autism.
“We treat it like a traditional summer camp, where kids diagnosed with autism can interact with kids who aren’t, which is very important,” she said. “I thought, since the New Mexico Autism Society has a walk in the spring, let’s do one in the fall.”
Student Edward Jameson ran about six miles and raised $150 at the event. He said he tutors math and English for Albuquerque Public Schools, and said he sees autistic children treated poorly.
“I wanted to participate in some fundraising, and this seemed like a good thing to do,” he said. “It’s messed up how people treat them.”
One in every 110 children is born with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
New Mexico Autism Society member Katie Stone said it’s important for people to understand autism can often be an asset, not just a hindrance.
“There’s always been the odd guy in the village, there’s always been the Thomas Edisons and the Einsteins who were admired for being outside the box,” she said. “There’s a lot to say for the innovators of our world. One of our goals is to help raise awareness amongst people who don’t have any connection with autism.”
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