More than 100 runners and walkers headed to Otsiningo Park on Saturday for the annual Alive With Autism 5K race. Time Warner Cable News reporter Vince Briga tells us why organizers say community support is crucial in helping families.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- In the midst of Autism Awareness Month, Binghamton residents are rallying to increase money and awarenessfor local families. Runners made there way to Binghamton's Otsiningo Park to run and walk the 5K course, all while gaining community support for autism.

With the increased cost of living with autism causes, many families need all the help they can get in order to deal with day to day activities.  

According to AutismSpeaks.Org, autism affects 1 in 68 children throughout the United States each year, and it costs those families an average of $60,000 a year for treatment.

"Insurance does not cover many of the expenses that arise and with early interventions starting out early with a child with autism, they find out the expenses just add up and we can help support them and that's where all of our money goes, back into the community," said Lori Martin, Alive With Autism president.

There is also no medical detection or cure for autism at this time. Participants hope by running throughout the park, they will be able to raise a little more awareness on a disorder that hits families hard across the Southern Tier. 

"Just by holding events like this, it brings families together, families who have children with autism. It gives them an opportunity to see they're not alone and they're supportive and there's other people to talk to," said Martin.

All proceeds from the event will help families with communication needs, equipment needs, and tuition assistance.

5K participant Kathy Szabelski has a child with autism, and says her son is leading a better life thanks to programs like Alive with Autism.

"Today's situation does not have to be the situation forever. There's always room for improvement, for change, just don't give up. A little improvement is huge for these kids," said Szabelski, a Cincinnatus resident.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States, but organizers say they will continue to hold community awareness events like these until some type of cure is created.

The Alive With Autism event raised more than $3,000.