On Saturday, the first day of Autism Awareness Month, more than 200 Miami-Dade County first responders took part in the fourth annual Autism Bike Ride.
The event took place at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue training facility in Doral, where residents, civic leaders, and first responders mounted up to help raise awareness for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“It is bringing awareness to the community and working as one,” says Lt. Jeanete Harrington, event organizer of the autism bike ride. “I have very near and dear friends and coworkers of mine that have been affected by this.”
Before the ride started, cyclists gathered to listen to the master of ceremonies, radio personality Enrique Santos, and other special guests who shared inspirational stories about autism.
“We are all here as one family, one discipline, and one cause for awareness and inclusion of autism,” says Miami-Dade Police Department Director and Chief of Public Safety Alfredo Ramirez. “That’s what we are here for: supporting families, supporting our communities… all the different departments that are here today as one, we are here with nothing but love.”
“We are all different in our own way; we are who we are; we are a proud community; and we understand that autism is not a disability; it is a special ability,” says Christina DeLeon, a special guest speaker. “Think positive, never give up on them, and always give them a chance in life, because they need your support, but they are talented in their own way.”
The bike ride consisted of two routes, the 12-mile and the 40-mile, which passed some of Miami and Doral’s most beautiful scenery.
“If you’ve ever been involved with someone within the spectrum, you know that these are some of the most special people you’ll ever meet,” says Gabriela Perez, a therapist for Developmental Applied Behavior Solutions, a mental health service in West Miami. “I hope that people will understand that there’s so much to learn from the autistic community about living life in a genuine way.”
After completing the ride, cyclists and spectators were able to enjoy a variety of treats from food and dessert vendors.
Each year, this event brings the community together to give hope to anyone diagnosed with autism. The proceeds from this event will support charity fundraisers like the Dade County Association of Firefighter Charities and other non-for-profit organizations like the University of Miami UM/NSU Card to provide therapies and treatments for children diagnosed with autism.
