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March 31, 2011

Mother challenges community to support those with autism

By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer

Mellissa Rhodes wants to issue a challenge to the community to show support for autism awareness Saturday by wearing blue, turn on blue lights in their windows or wear blue ribbons.

Saturday is World Autism Awareness Day.

“I’m passionate about kids with autism,” Rhodes said. “My son Hunter, who is 10 years old, was diagnosed with autism about two years ago. He is the sweetest little boy — you take one look at him and just love him.”

Hunter is in the multiple disabilities class at Pershing Elementary, Rhodes said.

“I believe that autism is a disease such like breast cancer and diabetes, and those are spotlighted more,” Rhodes said. “There is more research being done for those illnesses. If everyone will spotlight autism, maybe someday there will be research and a cure found for autism just like for all other diseases.”

Rhodes is encouraging business owners to display something blue or use blue lighting on Saturday as well.

“People all over the United States are doing the same, asking businesses and famous landmarks to light up blue for Autism Awareness Day,” Rhodes said.

She also is encouraging Muskogee school students to wear blue on Friday to show their support for autism awareness, Rhodes said.

Information: www.worldautismawarenessday.org.



Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.

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