Leawood, Mo. — A mother of a 12-year-old with autism has started a 120-mile run for the benefit of the Autism Society of Heartland in Knasas
Sydney Sorkin wants to raise money for the organization to help them give out free swimming lessons to children with autism.
Sorkin’s desire to help Autism Society of Heartland was driven by the tragic death of a five-year-old with autism, Gene Cory Ferguson, who wandered off his home in Harrisonville and drowned in a pond close by just last summer.
Sorkin said Gene reminded her of her son, Noah. She told:
“When the story happened with Gene, I saw Noah in his face.”
“I felt this pain in my gut and I said I’m a runner, I want to put some meaning behind my miles. There has to be something I can do.”
Since then, Sorkin’s mind was set on doing something to help.
Autism Society of Heartland’s six-week swimming program for children with autism costs about $140 per child. Sorkin has already raised over $2,000 for the swimming program, and she hopes to raise more by the end of her 120-mile run, which is expected to be on Dec. 12.
Source: Chris Oberholtz KCTV5.com Leawood mother’s 120-mile run to help children with autism