ALBANY, GA -- Folks from around Southwest Georgia were running and walking to raise autism awareness. This is the fifth year the Albany Autism Center has hosted its Autism Awareness Walk.

Director Dianne Blocker says autism has impacted her life and wants to do all she can to help others affected by the disorder.

“There are a lot of times I think, you know if it were just my son I could do this from home, but it’s the everyday the people that are calling saying I didn't know what to do. That’s what keeps me going every day. It’s just a way for us to say hey, we're here, come get some information,” says Blocker.

Dawn hall has two children with autism. She makes sure to participate in the walk each year.

“My kids are in wheelchairs and they don’t get to go out as much as regular kids so this would be great to get out. They love people so we thought this would be good to have fun with other people in the community,” says Hall.

Blocker says this is the first time they've held a 5k and that it’s brought many new faces out for the cause.

“Now that we've broadened our horizons I’ve seen a lot of new faces I’ve never seen, and that’s exciting,” says Blocker.

Blocker says the event went well and is already planning their next event, Bid for Bachelors, in a couple months.