Thousands of Long Islanders took steps Sunday to find a cure for autism at Jones Beach State Park.

Maureen Butchen is a Seaford mom on a mission. She was among a sea of people walking for a cure. The brain disorder changed her life when her 13-year-old son Alexander was diagnosed with autism 10 years ago.

"No matter what it is you do, autism is there and you have to do it differently than the average family," says Butchen. "And it also affects the siblings. Everything is different."

The "Walk Now for Autism" event, hosted by Autism Speaks, brought 21,000 Long Islanders out in hopes of raising $2.5 million for research and family services.