A Step Forward for Autism

Bynum arrived at The Palace of Auburn Hills earlier than usual to address 4,500 participants at the “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” event. The Oct. 11 fundraiser generated $224,000 for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy group, and also helped families affected by autism find support and educational resources.

“Participating in an event like this helps me stay grounded,” said Bynum, who encouraged walkers before they embarked on the one-mile trek in and around The Palace. “As professional athletes, we are blessed to be here and to be able to give inspiration to people. Helping them move forward is what it’s all about.”

Bynum also met individually with families and posed for pictures, putting the Pistons’ commitment to supporting autism awareness into action. In six months the Pistons will host Autism Awareness Night on Wed., Apr. 7, when they face the Atlanta Hawks.

“As part of our ‘Pistons Care’ mission it was a privilege to host today's walk,” said Pistons director of community relations Dennis Sampier. "The Palace provides a comfortable, relaxed setting where families could come together to support each other and learn the very latest about interventions and research."

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and will affect more children this year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. A new case of autism is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes, yet its cause - and cure - remains unknown. Autism nonetheless receives less attention than other national health issues.

“This event is great because you can never have too much awareness,” said Kathleen Lewis, a grandmother of two autistic children and owner of Nana’s Sweeties. She makes personalized sensory therapy items for autistic children such as vests and blankets. “Autism is an epidemic and we need to find a concrete way to prevent it, cure it and treat it.”

Beverly Swantek of Newport Richey, Fla., also has an autistic grandson. She came up from Florida to join her family at the Palace and participate in the walk - even if she couldn’t actually walk.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people out here,” said Swantek, who gets around in a wheelchair after recently breaking an ankle in three places. “I just want to make sure I’m doing anything I can do to help find a reason for (autism) and, hopefully, to find a cure.”

After the walk, families could visit a resource fair of nearly 50 vendors providing educational sources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Southeastern Michigan community,” said SE Michigan Walk Chair Susan Woolner. “This is a wonderful and important opportunity for our area to join forces raising the vital funds need for autism research, awareness, family services and advocacy.”

Autism Speaks has held fundraising walks in more than 70 cities across the world since 2007, raising more than $26 million for autism research in 2008.