Community Races to Help Children and Adults with Autism

Warm and caring hearts prevailed at the Autism Cares Foundation’s recent family-friendly Race for Resources, despite the chilly temperatures and gusts of autumn wind. In fact, by the end of the race, the sun came out.

The community came together with one goal: to improve the lives of children, teens and adults with autism and other special needs and their families.

The 9th Annual Race for Resources, one of the non-profit group’s major fundraising events, includes a 5K, 10K, Family Walk and Resources Expo of local service providers, which took place at Bucks County Community College and Tyler State Park.

More than 60 teams, comprised of enthusiastic parents and their extended families, proudly wore a sea of brightly-colored T-shirts. They joined together on Saturday, Nov. 3, to support a loved one with autism or other special needs, and raise awareness about the importance of love and acceptance for all children.

“I really like that everyone comes out to support us,” said Tyler Ferrara, 13, who led Team Tyler, a 35-member team in his honor. His family has been racing for eight years, and proudly wore red T-shirts. “It’s a great day for all of us!”

His brother, Jay Ferrara, 18, who is studying neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, was happy to reach out to his friends to race for Tyler. “My brother is an awesome kid. He can do anything and everything he sets his mind to. He’s come a long way, and I am extremely proud of him.”

The needs are great and continue to grow. One in 59 school children in the U.S. is being diagnosed with autism, according to 2018 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. This translates to more than three million individuals in the U.S. being affected by autism spectrum disorder, the fastest growing developmental disorder in the nation.

Everyone who came to the race well understood the importance of the Autism Cares Foundation (ACF) and its plans for the future.

“We thank God for Co-Founders Linda and Frank Kuepper and everyone else that makes the Autism Cares Foundation a reality,” said Gennie Devlin, a grateful mother.

Her son Billy, now 23, has been involved in ACF since the first race, and attends many of the programs and events. “This is an awesome day,” his mom said with pride. “When I see all of this support I see so much hope for our young adults.”

There was music, warm ups, various local mascots, numerous family-friendly activities, including: face painting, a video game bus, an obstacle course, and a gourmet lunch provided by Bloomin Brands (Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill).

Multi-Emmy-Award-winning CBS-3 News Anchor Jim Donovan was the master of ceremonies, helping to spread awareness of the importance of caring for children and adults with autism, and other special needs, and their family members.

“The Kueppers’ are one heck of a family and this is one heck of a community event,” Donovan said during race day. “It may be cold here, but it’s about families supporting one another, and everyone here has such warm hearts at this Race for Resources.”

Donovan was pleased to introduce the Autism Cares Foundation Glee Club, made up of teens and adults with autism and other special needs. They kicked-off the race with a memorable rendition of the National Anthem.

To date, the Autism Cares Foundation has held more than 1,000 special events, which have benefited more than 900 local families. In 2017 alone, the Autism Cares Foundation hosted more than 200 events social programs, and life enrichment opportunities, which have benefited more than 4900 people.

The aim is to give children and adults with a range of special needs a reason to get off the couch and enjoy their peers and socialization, in a safe and family-friendly environment, provided by ACF.

These programs and activities include sensory-friendly movies, bounce and trampoline parties, teen prom and other dances, holiday-themed parties, weekly fitness classes, Glee Club, and much, much, more.

The non-profit Autism Cares Foundation, located in Southampton, PA., was started by loving parents Linda and Frank Kuepper after their younger son, Michael, now 20, was diagnosed with autism before his third birthday.

As in past years, the Kuepper family’s team, Special K, was raring to go, and Michael enjoyed the high-energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. “The Race for Resources is so important to our family because we run each year in honor of our loving son, Michael,” explained Linda Kuepper.

“As parents, each of us wants the best for our sons and daughters, which means a happy and fulfilling life,” she said. “It brings us so much joy to be able to provide this each and every day, for our son, his friends, and their families.”

Frank Kuepper added that his family, and the Autism Cares Foundation, “are greatly appreciative of the sponsors, donors, volunteers, teams, and other community support that keeps the momentum going.”

ACF is also focused on the future of area adults with autism. The Adult Services Division provides an adult day habilitation program that uses evidenced based approaches and curriculum to teach daily living, social, and self-help skills in a fun, structured, and supportive environment. Additional programs include home and community habilitation.

“Adult services are the one pressing need and we are actively seeking a second location to be able to provide services for those on our waiting list,” he said.

ACF Managing Director Jacqui Makowski’s team included her husband, Tom, and 16-year-old son, Ryan, who is on the autism spectrum.

“I am overwhelmed by the spirit of all of these families today. Watching the teams, while experiencing the genuine feeling of kindness and acceptance of everybody coming together was truly memorable,” Makowski said, “And the sun came out to warm all of us at the end of the race. It was a perfect day!”

For further information about the Autism Cares Foundation’s Race for Resources, please go to: http://raceforresources.org/ or https://autismcaresfoundation....