REAL ESTATE ENTREPRENUER MARIO CAREY is pedalling hundreds of miles to make the public aware of autism. Carey is pictured after his latest ride, a 100-mile journey through Long Island with pros and semi-pros. Standing l-r, Jay Major, Brad Heney, Lawrence Jupp, Sandra Munnings, Mario Carey, Dr. Mark Davies and Simon Lowe. Front, Denise Beneby and Stefan Krauskopf
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Nassau, Bahamas - For Mario Carey, who just
completed his third 100-mile cycling event to raise awareness and funds for
autism, cycling is more than a passion. It is a demanding
commitment that's led him up hills, over rough terrain, along the
shore and across countryside, biking hundreds of miles on Family Islands and in
South Florida, rallying support for autistic children.
Carey's most recent Ride4Autism added new steam to the campaign with
his second 100-mile route in Long Island attracting semi-professional cyclists
and members of a local cycling team.
On November 20,
with strong winds in their face, Carey and a group of six cyclists ventured out
from Clarence Town to Gordon’s, then on to Seymour’s ending in Deal’s. Carey
finished the physically demanding ride in six and-a-half hours with current
Youth Caribbean Champion Jay Major and the Bahamas representative for the
Commonwealth Games, Lawrence Jupp completing the route in just over five hours.
Triathlon star Dr. Mark Davies joined the ride as did fellow rider Brad Heney,
Ironman Stefan Krauskopf and Conchman Champion Simon Lowe. Exhausted, but
elated, the group met with locals in a community church service when it was
over. Their work of explaining autism to those who came to support them in Long
Island had just begun.
"I learned so much about how to communicate with autistic
children,” said Jeff Major, president of the JAR Cycling Club. "Our club has been
very supportive of the cause and we hope it helps to get the word out about
autism.”
For the past six years Carey has been a champion for children, parents
and caregivers affected by autistic spectrum disorders. Every mile completed
increases funding for REACH (Resources & Education for Autism and Related
Challenges), a non-profit organisation that assists those faced with the
disorder. In November, Carey was elected president. But he gives pioneers like
DeCosta Bethel who gave 12 years of his life to the cause all the credit.
"Doing these rides gives me a platform to talk about autism, to
make people aware of how great the needs are, particularly for teachers who are
trained in dealing with children with autism," says Carey, president of
Mario Carey Realty. "Everyone focuses on the bike ride, but it's the
thousands of e-mails that go out, the prep work, the radio shows, the news
stories, getting people to ride or assist, meeting with communities, it's all
part of spreading the message about the importance of understanding autism so
each child can reach his or her best potential and lead a happy, productive
life."
Autism is a
developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and
affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills,
though children with autism frequently score on the genius level on IQ tests.
A report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) suggests that autism and related disorders are more common
than previously thought, although it is unclear if this is due to an increasing
rate or an increased ability to diagnose the illness. Carey’s 13-year-old son
Cole was diagnosed with autism at an early age and since then he has made it a
point to shed light on the disorder. Improving the quality of diagnosis and
treatment throughout The Bahamas, while heightening the awareness of the
disability has become a lifelong goal.
Now, with others joining in, the ride may be strenuous, but there is
more company that understands the journey.
"When Yodephy did their Strut for Life, a 60-mile walk, they
raised $20,000, splitting the proceeds between R.E.A.C.H. and
Sister, Sister, a support group for
those with breast cancer," said Carey. "We cannot thank them
enough."
“The resolve of these ladies to do what they did is just amazing,”
said DeCosta Bethel. “At the end of the first day they had blisters on their
toes but they were committed to finish the walk.”
For more information please contact Mario Carey directly at mario@mariorcareyrealty.com or
357-7013.