Chicagoans Turn Out To Help Fight Autism

May 22, 2005 5:30 pm US/Central

CHICAGO (CBS 2) Autism is being diagnosed in more children than ever these days, and that is what motivated thousands of people to walk in Chicago in the hope of finding a cure. Teams of people stormed Soldier Field Sunday morning for the annual Cure Autism Now walk.

The walk raises money to help fund research and education programs for families affected by autism.

Besides the main attraction, people were more than a little desperate to get a peek at a Chicago native who is everybody's favorite plumber. James Denton may be on that other network tonight, but having a nephew with autism, his priority was in Chicago today.

"The family certainly, like so many, is just trying to understand... Trying to turn this desperate housewives thing into something positive so this is definitely worth our time and effort,” Denton said.

After the walk, participants grooved to tunes by host and Grammy winner Chaka Khan.

The final tally is not in yet, but so far the event raised more than $650,000 for autism research.

Find out more at: CureAutismNow.org
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