By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Oct. 24, 2003
Laurie Autry was not only a pediatric physical therapist who helped hundreds of children, but a friend, a mentor and sometimes a surrogate mother.
Crowell is one of many former Autry patients who will join together Nov. 1 for the first annual Walk for Laurie's Kids at the Northeast Softball Complex.
Proceeds from the walk will benefit The Laurie M. Autry Memorial Fund to assist the special needs children of East Mississippi.
Autry died in April 2002 at the age of 36 from bleeding in the brain. Her husband of 14 years, Bill, said it was his wife's dream to establish a fund to help special needs children.
Autry never had children.
The walk is being sponsored by Riley Hospital, Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital.
Dee Allen's 3-year-old son, Kendel, suffers from cerebral palsy and Autry was his physical therapist.
WALK FOR KIDS
What: Walk for Laurie's Kids
When: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Nov. 1
Where: Northeast Softball Complex
Call: 483-5027 or 485-5558
Entry fee: $25 each or free for
children under 12, special needs children and their families. Send entry fee, name, address and
T-shirt size to: Laurie M. Autry Memorial Fund, First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave., Meridian, MS 39301