Way to Go: Anna Tuzzolo

An East Quogue teenager is going the extra mile to raise autism awareness and money for a local foundation.

Anna Tuzzolo, 13, a Center Moriches Middle School student who has autism, is walking roughly 90 miles -- equivalent to the distance from East Quogue to Montauk Point and back -- to benefit the Flying Point Foundation for Autism in Water Mill and its summer camp in Southampton.

So far, she has traveled more than half the distance by walking two miles over the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays, several times a week. More than $4,000 has been raised through a Facebook page titled "Anna's Walk to Montauk Point."

"Anna is an inspiration to me, and her enthusiasm for walking is infectious," said her mother, Patty, a board member for Flying Point. "I am always surprised by the people who show up to walk with her or support her through their donations."

The effort began after Anna walked in her first 5K -- the Flying Point 5K for Autism Awareness -- with the help of her life skills trainer in September.

"Anna's excitement at finishing her first 5K was obvious the day of the race," said Kim Covell, president of the Flying Point Foundation. "That Patty parlayed that excitement into a unique fundraiser is a bonus for all of us."