The encounter Travis Rudolph had with Bo Paske prompted the boys mother Leah Paske to write on Facebook, "I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life! (ESPN.com, Jared Shanker, FSU WR makes 'fans for life' by eating with autistic student. August 31, 2016)."
NFL: 2018 is Travis Rudolph's second season in the NFL as a wide receiver for the New York Giants. He is 6'0" and 190 lbs. Travis Rudolph's NFL stats are on ESPN.
Below is the news story that CBS This Morning produced in 2016 about Travis Rudolph and Bo Paske. The photo of the two eating lunch together went viral on social media.
Below is the original heartfelt post on Facebook that Leah Paske posted about how happy she was that her son was eating lunch with Travis Rudolph. After the picture went viral many students wanted to eat lunch with Bo Paske in the subsequent days of the school year.
Special thanks to Travis Rudolph for being an Autism Light and giving special attention and time for a boy with autism named Bo Paske. His example is an inspiration almost two years after his meeting with Bo Paske. We hope that Travis Rudolph's sensitive and caring actions will inspire other star athletes to spend time with children who have special needs. We wish Travis Rudolph all the best in his career in the NFL.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Cam Newton is the quarterback for the National Football League's Carolina Panthers (Autism Light #362). He is from Atlanta, Georgia and has a residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Newton played his college football for Auburn University. He is the first player since 1950, "to within a one-year span, be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and become the first overall pick in an NFL draft (Wikipedia: Cam Newton)." Cam Newton is an Autism Light because of the kindness he showed in the Summer of 2015 to a six year old boy named Jaxon Shytle who has autism.
Jaxon Shytle is a big fan of Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. Because of the excessive stimulation at an actual NFL game, Jaxon has not been taken to a Carolina Panthers game yet. He watches Carolina Panther games on television and in the Summer of 2015, Jaxon's father, Alan Winninger, took him to see the team at the Carolina Panthers training camp in South Carolina. At the practice Jaxon was able to play catch with Cam Newton. The highlight of his experience with the star quarterback was when Cam Newton gave Jaxon the football to keep.
The following is a video news story of Cam Newton showing special kindness to Jaxon Shytle.
Alan Winninger was thankful his son was able to meet Cam Newton, saying, "This is something that will affect him forever, and it probably helped his progression being autistic. Now, he's got something he can relate to and be a part of (Fox 46, Robin Kanady, 6-year-old Autistic Boy Got Football from Cam Newton, January 25, 2016)."
Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2011 and has been their starter since his rookie season. He has led the Carolina Panthers to a spot in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016, after a successful 2015-2016 season where they went 15-1 and won the National Football Conference. You can check out Cam Newton's career statistics at NFL.com.
Social Media: You can follow news about Cam Newton on the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Cam Newton for being an Autism Light. His kindness to a boy with autism is an example to other athletes who have the potential to brighten the lives of people who look up to them as heroes. To read other posts about athletes that have been featured on this blog visit the Autism Light Sports Page.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. The photo of Cam Newton was taken by Keith Allison in 2014 and is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.
Manny Dedmon has autism and is a 17 year old student at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, a suburb of Ft. Worth. Manny Dedmon is a member of his high school football team and was voted Homecoming King this year. Manny Dedmon is an Autism Light because of his extraordinary achievements and winsome personality.
Doctors told his parents that Manny would not be able to do a lot of things that neurotypical people do and labeled him "severely low functioning." His mother Erica remembers, "They gave me a list of nevers. They say, 'He will never have a relationship or have friends (WFAA.com, Neither homecoming crown define Manny Dedmon, October 19, 2014).'"
Homecoming King: Manny Dedmon has come a long way from a shy kid who no one expected to be able to make friends. He was voted Homecoming King by his classmates in 2014.
Football Player: In 2013 Manny Dedmon scored 4 touchdowns as a member of the Junior Varsity team. In 2014 he has been an inspirational member of the Varsity team.
Special thanks to Manny Dedmon for being an Autism Light. His bright smile, his striving to become what doctors said he couldn't do, and his efforts to reach his goals are a gift to the autism community and the world. We wish Manny Dedmon all the best in his future endeavors.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The Carolina Panthers are a football team in the National Football League located in Charlotte, North Carolina. They were organized on October 26, 1993 as an expansion team in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers are an Autism Light because of their compassion towards people with autism. The Carolina Panthers are the first NFL team to be named an Autism Light and will be placed today on the Autism Light Sports page.
The Carolina Panthers played their first season in 1995. They reached Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and lost to the New England Patriots. At the time it was the most watched Super Bowl in history. The Carolina Panthers have many fans in the Carolina area and around the country, but two of their biggest fans have autism and the team has reached out to them.
Alphonzo "Fonz" McDonald: Alphonzo is a 15 year old boy who has autism. He is such a big fan of the Carolina Panthers that his room is decorated in blue and black. When asked what his sports dream would be, Fonz said, "I want to play wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers (MyFox8.com, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers Make Dream Come True for Young Autistic Fan)!"
On Saturday, October 25, 2014, Fonz got the opportunity to play wide receiver at a Carolina Panthers practice. He was then given a tailgate party, pregame field passes, and tickets for the game on October 26 when Carolina played the Seattle Seahawks. The Arc of North Carolina helped make the connection between Fonz and the Carolina Panthers.
Here is a video of radio coverage of this special moment for a boy with autism.
Dave: .Dave is a young adult with autism. He is also known as Brother Dave. He is a huge Carolina Panthers fan. You can see a YouTube video where he reviews a game Carolina played against Green Bay in 2011. In 2011 the team gave Dave a signed football and tickets to a game. Here is a video of Dave receiving the gifts on behalf of the Carolina Panthers organization.
Light It Up Blue: In addition to their concern for individuals with autism the Carolina Panthers participated in a visible way in the community as the Bank of America Stadium where they play was displayed in blue lights for Autism Awareness Month in April, 2014.
Social Media: To follow the Carolina Panthers on social media visit these pages.
John and Traci Schneider are from Seattle, Washington and their 12 year old son Ben has autism. John Schneider works as the General Manager for the Seattle Seahawks and helped develop the team that won Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014. John and Traci Schneider are Autism Lights because of how their advocacy for autism and their fundraising for Ben's Fund at FEAT of Washington is helping autism families in the Seattle area.
NFL Executive: John Schneider has served as the General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks since 2010. He has established himself as a brilliant NFL administrator. Prior to moving to Seattle, he worked for the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. John Schneider helped construct the Green Bay Packer team that won Super Bowl XLV. Dave Soft Mahler, who is a Sports Radio Show host in Seattle, posted the following tweet in praise of John Schneider in April, 2013.
Just left the Autism fundraiser with John and Traci Schneider. Not a GM in the league I'd trade him for. Hope he's here forever.
— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) April 19, 2013
Traci Schneider: Traci Schneider said this about their autism journey, "John and I are of the same mindset where we were heartbroken and devastated for about a day, and then we kind of got to the point where it was like, 'All right, now what do we do?' (Seahawks.com, Tony Drovetto, March 22, 2013)." In addition to being an autism mother, Traci Schneider has volunteered on the board at FEAT and has served as the President of the Seahawks Women's Association.
Ben's Fund: John and Traci Schneider created Ben's Fund in 2012 in order to help families in Washington State receive autism services. The fund provides grants for services in partnership with FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Washington. Ben Schneider has received some important help from the services of FEAT of Washington, when his family moved to Seattle in 2010.
FEAT of Washington: According to the Prime Time Website, "FEAT of Washington is a non-profit organization that strives to reach families with a child or children on the autism spectrum, providing support, guidance and resources for families in the community. For the past 15 years, FEAT WA has been developing, creating and inspiring autism programming for Washington's children solely to achieve one purpose - to help those children reach their full potential. Visit featwa.org to learn more."
Entire Family Impacted: John Schneider said this about autism families, "It's not just an issue for these kids. It's an issue for the entire family and it's hard. It affects your neighbors, the siblings, you can be at a restaurant and things can just fall apart. The mothers are just unbelievable and the siblings have to be unbelievable as well (My Northwest.com, Josh Kerns, April 5, 2012)."
John Schneider believes there is hope for autism. John Schneider said, "There's always hope, we have seen that with our son. He has definitely gotten better with everything that we have done over the past seven years. So we are very fortunate (My Northwest.com, Josh Kerns, April 5, 2012)."
Special thanks to John and Traci Schneider for being Autism Lights. We wish them continued success as autism parents and advocates. The autism community in Washington State is certainly fortunate to have them on their team as our the many Seahawks fans in the area.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Curt and Ana Warner are from Clark County, Washington. They have four children. Their twin sons Austin and Christian have autism and are now 19 years old. Curt Warner is a former NFL Football Running Back. Curt and Ana Warner are Autism Lights for their autism advocacy as well as their dedication as autism parents.
Here is an ESPN News story on Curt and Ana Warner's family and how autism has impacted it.
Penn State Career: Curt Warner was the leading rusher on the Penn State Football Teams from 1980-1982. His 3,398 career yards rushing was a Penn State Record that lasted until 2010. He helped Penn State win their first National Championship in the 1983 Sugar Bowl. In 2009, Curt Warner was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
NFL Career: Curt Warner was a Running Back from 1983-1989 for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He made the Pro Bowl 3 times. He concluded his career in 1990 with the Los Angeles Rams. You can view Curt Warner's complete NFL statistics at the Pro Football Reference Website.
National Autism Conference: Curt and Ana Warner delivered the keynote speech at the National Autism Conference on August 1, 2013 that was held at Penn State University (Read More in an Article on the Warner's by the Centre Daily Times). It was their first public speech on autism except for the ESPN film that was done on them. You can view the entire speech on this YouTube video.
Here are two autism quotes from the Warner's speech at the National Autism Conference.
"I think the most important thing in this whole situation comes down to having faith. I will say that again and again and again: You've got to have some faith because this is a struggle that doesn't end....It's an ongoing process; it's not something you volunteer for. You're picked; you've got to deal with it. So God bless all of you (Read More in an Article by The Salt Lake Tribune)--.Curt Warner."
"Count your blessings. It helps a lot. You're going to have dark days, so remember to count your blessings. Write them down and read them, the funny stories. When you're sad, you'll laugh at stuff like that. It will brighten up your day(Read More in an Article by the Penn Stater Alumni Magazine)--Ana Warner."
Special thanks to Curt and Ana Warner for being Autism Lights. Their dedication as parents and as advocates is a bright spot for all those in the autism community. To read other posts about Athletes visit the Autism Light Sports Page.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Beloved by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and honored by a grateful community where he lived his entire life, Myron Cope's last words were said five years ago, but his charitable legacy continues to give a voice to those, like his son Danny, who live in the silent world of autism. Born on January 23, 1929, and passing away on February 27, 2008, Myron Cope was preceded in death by his wife Mildred and was survived by a daughter Elizabeth and an autistic son Danny. Myron Cope is an Autism Light for supporting leading autism organizations in the Pittsburgh area and giving his son Danny a legacy through his humble support. Myron Cope will also be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.
The following is an Obituary on Myron Cope that aired on Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV after his death.
Sports Writer and Commentator: Myron Cope was best known for being the color commentator for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 35 years from 1970-2005. During his career he also was involved in other media ventures in the Pittsburgh area for sports enthusiasts. Myron Cope was also a sports writer in his early career and did a famous interview with Howard Cosell that is considered a Sports Illustrated Classic. You can still read the article on the Sports Illustrated Website.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Myron Cope retired in 2005 and that year he received the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozella Radio-Television Award (Source).
The following is a news story of Myron Cope's funeral service by WTAE-TV in 2005.
Terrible Towel: In 1975 during the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff run, Myron Cope created what is regarded as the first rally towel in sports. Called the Terrible Towel, the Pittsburgh Steeler's fan towel is black and gold and says "Myron Cope Official The Terrible Towel". In 1996, Myron Cope signed over the rights for the Terrible Towel to the Alleghany Valley School, where his son Danny lives. Sales of the towel have generated over $3 Million dollars for the school. Elizabeth Cope, Myron's daughter, believes that the Terrible Towel is symbolic of much more than football and is a legacy to her autistic brother Danny. She said, "He's like the invisible face. He's the main man really behind the terrible towel. My dad is known for his voice and he has a son that doesn't speak, isn't able to speak and he's kind of given him an enormous voice (Source)." Alleghany Valley School: Today about 900 children, adults, and senior adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism, are served by the Alleghany Valley School. More information on the school is available at their Website at http://avs.nhsonline.org. After Myron Cope's death it was revealed that he had also quietly been donating millions of dollars to the Alleghany Valley School through his speaking engagements. In 2008 the Alleghany Valley School's CEO Regis Davis told reporter Mike Wereschagin that whenever Myron Cope was paid to give a speech he would ask that the check be made payable to Allegheny Valley School or he would later sign it over himself to the school (Source). Regis Davis said, "This was his income...He never needed any notoriety, never wanted any attention brought to all this. Danny is the center of Myron's universe. He was completely dedicated to Danny, to his care, to his progress (Source)."
Autism Society of Pittsburgh: Myron Cope was one of a group of individuals who founded the Autism Society of Pittsburgh in 1967, helping them get their first grant for operations. He also served on their board of directors for many years. The mission statement of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh is this:
Since 1967, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh has been the local action unit of the Autism Society of America, the foremost voice and resource of the nation's autism community. We are comprised of volunteers, parents and professionals, working on behalf of all children and those of adult age on the autism spectrum. Our objective is to improve the lives of those with autism and related disorders of behavior and communication (Source).
For more details on the work and mission of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh visit their website at www.autismsocietypgh.org. The Autism Society of Pittsburgh continues to benefit from those who wish to pay tribute to Myron Cope. One of the organization's key fundraisers is the Myron Cope/ Foge Fazio Memorial Golf Classic. The 2013 event will be held on June 10, 2013. For more information on the 2013 event visit the golf tournament's section of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh's Website. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix: Myron Cope is also responsible for founding the charitable Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix which had it's first race in 1983. Several million dollars of funds from the race over the decades have benefited both the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Alleghany Valley School. More information on the event is available at their Wikipedia page. Other Information: For more information on Myron Cope's life visit his Wikipedia page. You can also read his obituary published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Through this post being placed with others on the blog today, Autism Light wishes to give a special shout out for Myron Cope. The legacy he left his son Danny and the support his name gives to the Alleghany Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh has made a tremendous difference for hundreds of people with autism in the Pittsburgh area. For the autism community, Myron Cope was much more than a dynamic hall of fame sports announcer. Myron Cope was like so many other autism fathers who quietly gave what resources he had at his disposal to make a difference for the cause that personally touched his own child. And what a difference he is making. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. The photo of Myron Cope was used with permission of Daniel Torisky and is credited to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh.
Anthony Starego is a senior at Brick High School in Brick, New Jersey. He has autism and is the place kicker for his high school football team. Anthony was an orphan at the age of 3 and lived in 11 foster homes before being adopted by Ray and Reylene Starego. Anthony Starego is an Autism Light for his achievements in football and how he has overcome disabilities and disappointments in his life to be an inspiration to others who have autism.
Anthony Starego kicked the game winning field goal on October 19, 2012 in a game where his team Brick High School played Toms River North High School. Below is a video on Anthony Starego's amazing accomplishment on the football field.
Anthony Starego's coach Kurt Weiboldt said his autism is an asset as a kicker, "Fifty times a day, that's all he does. Just three steps back, one over and he hits the ball. That's what he knows and that's what he did (Source)."
Anthony said this about his experience with football in high school: "I do the same thing over and over again. It helps me a lot, and I'm having the best day of my life (Source)."
Anthony Starego will be added to the Autism Light Sports page and join some other fine high school athletes who have autism. We wish him the best in his future endeavors as his outstanding attitude, dedication, and talent shines a light for autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Autism Light Classic Updated on May 17, 2015. Autism Lights #100 are Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete.
Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete are from Los Angeles, California. Rodney Peete was born on March 16, 1966 and Holly Robinson Peete was born on September 18, 1964. They married in 1995 and are parents of four children, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and son Rodney Peete, Jr (twins born in 1997), son Robinson James Peete (born in 2002), and son Roman Peete (born in 2005). Their son Rodney (R.J.) has autism. Rodney and Holly are Autism Lights because of their autism advocacy through being authors, speakers, philanthropists and operators of a foundation for autism called the HollyRod Foundation.
Rodney Peete's Career: Rodney Peete was a star football player for the University of Southern California leading them to the 1988 and 1989 Rose Bowls. He won the Johnny Unitas Award in 1989. Although he was drafted also as a 3rd Baseman by Major League Baseball teams, Rodney Peete chose to play football and he went on to play 16 years in the National Football League from 1989-2005. His career stats are at the Pro Football Reference Website. Rodney Peete played on the Carolina Panthers 2003 team that played in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Rodney Peete is now a broadcaster.
Holly Robinson Peete's Career: Holly graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. She has had roles as an actress in the following shows.
One of Holly Robinson Peete's most inspirational interview's on The Talk about autism was when she interviewed Carly Fleischmann who was Autism Light #1. That interview is available on Carly Fleischmann's Autism Light post.
For Peete's Sake: It was announced in May, 2015, that Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete and will soon have their own show on Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network. It has a working title called For Peete's Sake. It will be a documentary on their family life of juggling dual careers with raising four children (RealityTea, May 8, 2015). The HollyRod Foundation: The HollyRod Foundation was founded in 1997. It helps provide services for people who are impacted by either Parkison's Disease or Autism. Holly Robinson Peete's father was Matt Robinson who played the original Gordon on the children's TV show Sesame Street. Mr. Robinson developed Parkinson's Disease in his 40's and in his honor The HollyRod Foundation was established originally to provide help for those with Parkinson's to obtain services.
After Rodney (R.J.) Peete was diagnosed with autism, Holly and Rod decided that the foundation would also begin reaching out for autism under the HollyRod4Kids name. More information on the HollyRod Foundation is available at their website at www.hollyrod.org/about. One of the future plans for the HolyRod Foundation is the construction of the HollyRod4Kids Compassionate Care Center for Autism in Los Angeles. Current programs of the HollyRod Foundation include the Gift of Voice, RJ's Place, and the My Brother Charlie Family Fun Day.
Holly Robinson Peete wrote a song called Come Into My World that she sings with her son Rodney in the following video.
Authors: Both of the Peete's are authors in their own right. Holly Robinson Peete wrote My Brother Charlie with her daughter Ryan, which helps neurotypical children understand about autistic kids. Rodney Peete wrote Not My Boy! to share his story with his son who has autism. The following video is Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete discussing their life with a child with autism and the books they wrote.
Holly Robinson on Autism: Holly Robinson Peete said this about her son that provides a good look at her passion and perspective on autism. "My son w/autism has an AMAZING brain [and] can tell you any fact about NBA, MLB even NHL! We need to embrace these children in society-god's gifts. We need to change ourselves as a society to accept children w/autism and special needs for who they are (Black Celebrity Kids.com, August 4, 2009)."
Holly Robinson also says this on her foundation's website, "I wouldn't change my son for the world but I would change the world for my son." Social Media: You can follow Rodney, Holly, and the HollyRod Foundation at the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete for being dedicated autism parents and amazing autism advocates. You are amazing heroes for the cause of all the autism community. The autism family is blessed to have your dedication and hard work lighting the way for improving situations for those with autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Autism Light #95 is Cortland Hale.
Cortland Hale lives in Snellville, Georgia near Atlanta. He has autism and played football for the Brookwood High School varsity football team during the 2007-2008 seasons. Cortland Hale is an Autism Light because he excelled in high school football and also encourages other special needs children that they can one day play sports if they work hard.
He was a 6 foot 3, 270 pound starting Defensive Tackle for the Brookwood Broncos in 2007-2008. Because of his autism He did not speak until he was age 9 when he started playing football. Cortland said about his football experience, "When I started playing it just changed the way, you know, it helped me socially and just really gave me the confidence to say, I can do anything."
One of the honors he received for his playing high school football in 2008 was being named Honorable Mention for a Defensive Tackle by the Gwinnett County Touchdown Club. This website has the high school information on Cortland Hale. The following is a news story featuring Cortland Hale's story.
Boot Camps wrote a story on Cortland Hale using football and his faith to overcome his shyness that can be found at this link. At the end of his senior year in high school he hosted a Walk for Autism in May, 2009.
Cortland Hale Today: After finishing high school Cortland Hale went on to study at Georgia Gwinnett College. He continues to be a regular speaker to diverse audiences on behalf of autism. According to his Facebook page, during the month of November, 2011 he spoke to college students at Georgia Gwinett College who are preparing to be special education teachers and also spoke to the Mountain View Football team about autism.
Social Media: You can follow Cortland Hale at the following social media.
Special thanks to Cortland Hale for being an Autism Light on behalf of all those young people with autism that need encouragement to overcome their struggles. They too may find help through sports. Anything is possible.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Doug Flutie, Sr. and Laurie Flutie are from Natick, Massachusetts. Doug is a former professional football player in both the United States and Canada. Their son Doug Flutie, Jr. has autism. Doug Flutie, Sr. and Laurie Flutie are Autism Lights because they formed an autism foundation to help make a difference for autism, which is called the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation. Football Career: Doug Flutie played for Boston College and won the Heisman Trophy in 1984. Professionally he played in the CFL, USFL, and NFL from 1985-2005. His career stats are at this link .
Honorary Degree: Doug Flutie, Sr. received the Honorary Doctor of Humanitarian Service for Autism in 2007 from Dickinson College. Here is a video of that ceremony.
Foundation: In 2000, Doug Flutie, Sr. and his wife Laurie formed the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation in honor of their son who has autism. In forming the foundation, the Fluties wanted to help their son have a legacy that he might not be able to accomplish on his own and to help less fortunate families with the tremendous expenses of autism. Information on the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation is available at their website at www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org. This foundation is making a tremendous impact for autism.
To date over $11 million dollars has been raised by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation.
A list of 2010 grant recipients from the foundation is available at this link.
In 2011 the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation joined HP and Autism Speaks in sponsoring the Hacking Autism initiative.
Here is a video of Doug Flutie, Sr. discussing his autism foundation in 2010.
Laurie Flutie: Laurie Flutie is an amazing caregiver. In addition to being Vice-President and co-founder of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation she is the primary caregiver for Doug Flutie, Jr. and she also cares for her mother who lives with the family.
Author: In 1999, Doug Flutie wrote two books that are available through Amazon.com.
Special thanks to Doug and Laurie Flutie for being Autism Lights. Your hard work on behalf of autism is certainly helping lighten the load of many families and is a legacy for your son.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The Photo at the top of this post is used with the permission of Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation and was taken at the 2007 golf outing of Doug and Laurie Flutie and their family.
Dan and Claire Marino are from Miami, Florida and operate the Dan and Claire Marino Foundation for autism. They have a son Michael who has autism. Dan and Claire Marino are Autism Lights because of the difference they are making in the cause of autism through their foundation and by being relentless advocates.
Hall of Fame Quarterback: Dan Marino was the Quarterback #13 of the Miami Dolphins from 1983-1999. During his career Dan Marino broke numerous records referenced at the DanMarino.com website, many of which should stand for years. Dan Marino was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. He is also the author of the book Dan Marino: My Life in Football.
Quote: Dan Marino said the following about autism:
We can change the lives of autistic children. We can make a difference. There are hundreds of families in Florida who can't afford the therapists.
Dan Marino Foundation: Dan and Claire Marino started the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 to help provide autism services to children in South Florida. Over the years the Dan Marino Foundation has evolved into funding a variety of services that are making a difference for autism everywhere, including treatments, research (through MARI), and Internet based education (childnett.tv) on autism. The following YouTube video tells the story of the foundation.
2012 WalkAbout Autism: The Marino's have continued their highly successful fundraising efforts by raising funds for autism at special events. On January 28, 2012 they held their 2nd Annual Autism Awareness event called WalkAbout Autism. The event raised over $700,000 and over 17,000 people participated. A story of the event is at this link.
College Bound: In February, 2012 it was announced that Dan Marino and the Dan Marino Foundation plan to start a college for developmentally challenged adults in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The school will focus on vocational trades and be geared like a two year college. Read a news story on www.thephinsider.com about this exciting plan that Dan Marino has to continue to be a light for autism.
Dan and Claire Marino won the Children of the World Advocate Award in 2010. The video below was the presentation video for them when they received that award.
Social Media: You can follow Dan Marino and his foundation at the following social media.
For more information on the Dan Marino Foundation visit their website or the ChildNettTV website. Special thanks to Dan and Claire Marino for being Autism Lights.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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