Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Autism Lights #12 are Darryl and Tracy Strawberry.

Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry is known for being a former star Major League Baseball Player who hit 335 home runs in 17 seasons.  For full achievements see his ESPN stats page.  His personal life off the field was rocked by legal problems related to drug use and a battle with cancer. More details of his life can be found in his book Straw: Finding My Way that was published in 2010.  

Darryl Strawberry has said, "I'm not ashamed of who I am. Of course I'm ashamed of the things that have happened. But with life experiences, you're able to give back and help others." None of Darryl Strawberry's children have autism, but he was so moved by meeting parents and autistic children that he decided to "give back and help others" through the cause of autism.

Darryl Strawbery and his wife Tracy formed a foundation in 2006 that benefits autism.  Along with promoting the cause of the foundation they speak on the subject of their Christian faith, which they credit with saving their life. Their official webpage of the Darryl Strawberry Foundation is at www.fightforautism.org.  You can also find other related sites of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry at the page www.darrylstrawberry.com.

The following video below is Darryl Strawberry speaking at Bedstock 2010. In the presentation he reveals his passion to help those with autism.

Here are some links to other information on Darryl Strawberry.

• Darryl Strawberry Going to Bat for Autism
• Darryl Strawberry Tees Off Against Autism
  
• Darryl Strawberry's Wikipedia Article

The autism community is grateful for all the work that Darryl and Tracy Strawberry do to raise awareness and help make a difference for those who have autism.  Celebrities often take on the cause of autism if they have a child with the condition, but it is very encouraging to see an example of someone who has chosen to fight autism without having the personal family connection.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

This Autism Light Post was mentioned in the Spectrum Mom's Daily on August 9, 2011.

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry.