Walk for Laurie's Kids': Time to step up

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
November 7, 2004
Hundreds of people participated in the first "Walk for Laurie's Kids" last year and raised $8,000 to benefit The Laurie M. Autry Memorial Fund for Special Needs Children.
This year's walk is Nov. 13 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Northeast Softball Complex. It honors Laurie Autry, a pediatric physical therapist who died in April 2002 at the age of 36 from a brain bleed.
Her husband of 14 years, Bill, said it was his wife's dream to establish a fund to help special needs children. Because of an accident in her late teens, Autry was unable to have children.
Laurie Autry began her career at the Children's Rehabilitation Center in Jackson. She worked for Riley Hospital for several years and was at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center for more than 10 years.
Many of the children for whom she cared will attend the event, including Heather Garrison of Decatur who said she misses Autry.
All proceeds raised from the walk will be used to purchase such things as wheelchairs, walkers and leg braces for special needs children.
Laurie's aunt, Karen Meyer, said their family is proud that so many people participated during the first walk.
What: Walk for Laurie's Kids
When: Nov. 13, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Where: Northeast Softball Complex
Call: 483-5027 or 693-0510
Entry fee: $25; children under 12, special needs children and their families walk free. Free T-shirts will be given to all special needs children and the first 100 registered walkers.
Sponsors: Riley Hospital, Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Foundation
Hospital.