Big cheer from Come By Chance

What's the secret to running across the country? A different pair of shoes every day, great tunes on an MP3 player and the motivation for a good cause.
That's what's driving Jonathan Howard.
The 24-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario began a cross-country marathon last week to raise money for autism research and programs.
"I always wanted to travel across the country," he says, though his adventure is far from self-indulgent.
"Autism is something that still has a low profile. It's very fragmented across the country. I thought this could be a catalyst."
He hopes to raise $2.5 million for the cause, and though it is early days yet, he says, "I know I can do it."
On Day Four of his journey, he got a warm welcome in Come By Chance.
Doreen Stryde is the president of the Eastern chapter of the Newfoundland Autism Society. She helped organize the Come By Chance reception in just 24 hours. Her daughter, Nichole, was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago. Stryde says it's been very rewarding, but also very challenging.
"It's a constant struggle to keep abreast of all the new research," she says. "(Nichole) has taught me more than I could have learned in any university."
The current provincial program helps children until the age of five, but Stryde says they need more programs and services as children grow up.
She considers herself one of the lucky ones. She says Nichole has always been part of the community, never being left out at school or otherwise.
That's not always the case.
"We have families in crisis," says Stryde. "I'm blessed."
About one in every 135 children is diagnosed with some type of autism. The disease can take many forms and there is no cure. It is a neurological disorder that affects social interaction and communication development.
This year, the Come By Chance Leos Club (Junior Lions) will dedicate their charitable efforts to autism.
The Leo Club (Junior Lions) have 24 members in the Come By Chance area. Nathan Baker, 15, is the president of the club. They are planning other fundraisers for autism this year, including a wake-a-thon (staying up all night) to help families affected by autism attend a retreat at the Max Simms camp.
"We kind of plan as we go along," he says.
Come By Chance is no stranger to cross-Canada runners. Terry Fox stopped here in April 1980 during the first days of his run. Mayor Joan Cleary said Fox was not very well-known at the time, but pointed out he achieved great things for cancer research. She told Jonathan, "If you can even do a fraction of that for autism, that would be wonderful."
The community support is bubbling over at the recreation centre as Howard takes a well-deserved break for lunch. He jokes he'll take any excuse to stand still. The young Leos will walk with him after lunch to see him on his way. Follow Howard's journey online at www.runthedream.ca.