Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats to Host Autism Awareness Day Sunday, Dec. 6
12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 1, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern Athletics and the Chicagoland chapter of Autism Speaks are proud to announce they are joining forces to raise awareness about autism on Sunday, Dec. 6, when the women's basketball team hosts Purdue in the Big Ten opener. Tip is set for 4 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
"I appreciate the support of Northwestern and the Chicago community in trying to create awareness and support the children and families that are afflicted by autism," Head Coach Joe McKeown said. "I hope people can come to the Purdue game, enjoy it, and perhaps learn some things and open their minds to what some of these children have to deal with on a daily basis. I think it will be a great event."
McKeown and his family are personally affected by the neurological disorder as his son, Joey, is autistic. To watch the Big Ten Network's feature on the McKeown Family, click here.
Sunday's event aims to bring the autism community together as well as draw attention to the disorder that affects an estimated 1 in every 91 children in the United States. Highlights of the event will include a ceremonial tip-off as well as a special guest singer performing the National Anthem.
"We are grateful to Coach McKeown and the Northwestern University Women's Basketball team for hosting families and helping to raise awareness about autism," said Liz Klug, executive director for the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks. "Northwestern is making special preparations so families feel welcome and accommodated to enjoy this great match up."
For more information or to secure your tickets for on the Autism Awareness Event at Northwestern please email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. For more information on Autism Speaks, click here.
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 91 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Wright also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and Mission Product, LLC.
