Walking to raise awareness of autism

EPHRATA — It was a beautiful day Saturday as families from across Grant County gathered for food, fun, and a walk to promote awareness for autism.

“I’ve been coming every year for 12 years,” said Quincy resident Amanda Castro as she reached the end of the walk in a small park overlooking Ephrata.

“I have a cousin with autism who lives in Moses Lake. We support him fully and come every year,” she said as she encouraged the walkers coming in behind her. “He even told me to slow down this year!”

The walk, organized and sponsored by the Grant County chapter of the Autism Society of Washington, was the brainchild of Mike Scellick, who decided helping other families raise children with autism was the best way to cope with his own son Patrick’s diagnosis.

“I was at a point in my life where I had to run or do something,” he said. “So, we got together with another couple, and decided we need to start helping other families.”

The group now includes over 40 families in and around Ephrata, and led to the creation of a giant, stainless-steel autism ribbon in a park overlooking Ephrata, as well as the walk, which brings together service providers, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and Posse, some food and some fun.

“We have a couple of clients in the area, so we’re here to show our support,” said Yvonne Reigstad, the executive director of Autism Therapy Services in Moses Lake.

By far the biggest draw were the three very gentle and calm horses from the Grant County Sheriff’s Posse, which kids lined up to ride until the walk began.

“It’s been busy today,” said Trisha Cox, a captain with the GCSO Posse. “The kids love it, and I just love seeing the kids. It makes it all worth it.”

Brittany Rang, mother of five-year-old Eliza, agreed.

“She liked it,” Rang said as her very shy daughter ducked behind her leg.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.