The Philadelphia Eagles have launched the Eagles Autism Challenge, a cycling and 5K event that includes the participation of coaches, players, alumni, executives, cheerleaders and SWOOP. This annual family-fun day is dedicated to raising money for Autism Spectrum Disorder research and support.

The Eagles Autism Challenge will feature cycling routes of 15, 30 and 50 miles, along with a family-friendly 5K run/walk. Since part of the cycling portion comes into Montgomery County, the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) is proud to partner with the event and the Eagles organization.

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In fact, to celebrate the collaboration, the VFTCB worked on a video with the Eagles featuring SWOOP, and Montco’s mascot, Monty the Fox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqobbCyAZSA.

“We’re so excited to partner with the Super Bowl Champion Eagles,” said VFTCB Creative Director, Joe Tacynec. “And, we love using Monty as a fun way to get our message across, especially in videos, whether it’s about all the awesome things to do in Montgomery County, or an equally important message like raising awareness about Autism.”

All four routes will start at Lincoln Financial Field. The cycling routes will offer participants a chance to ride through the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs. Runners and walkers will experience a one-of-a-kind course taking them through Lincoln Financial Field and the surrounding neighborhood. The event will begin with a Friday Kick-Off Party and will culminate Saturday with a celebration on the field after crossing the finish line.

A 501(c)(3) organization, Eagles Autism Challenge, Inc., will direct 100 percent of participant-raised funds to autism research and programs at three nationally recognized research institutions – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. These beneficiary institutions have formed a coalition of the top researchers and scientists in the field in hopes to help drive scientific breakthroughs that will have an impact for generations.

“It is very difficult for a single institution to address the complex medical and scientific issues presented by the condition of autism,” said Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeffrey Lurie. “So, the partnership was organized to bring fresh ways of thinking and the necessary resources to the field. I have such great respect and admiration for the amazing work that Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel and Thomas Jefferson are conducting today.”

Over the last 20 years, the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder has increased at a startling rate, yet it has historically been underfunded, misunderstood and under-researched. It is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the country with one in 68 children affected and one in 42 boys. Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder range from mild to severe and most individuals with autism experience verbal and non-verbal communication challenges, difficulties in the areas of social interaction and cognitive function, and a propensity to repeat behaviors.

“Teams at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia care for thousands of children on the autism spectrum each year,” said Madeline Bell, CHOP’s President and CEO. “These patients and their families need answers, solutions and treatments that can only come from breakthroughs in research – and they are counting on us to make those breakthroughs. Fundraising events like the Eagles Autism Challenge give our teams the resources they need to make discoveries that will change our patients’ lives today and help them thrive in adulthood.”

For Jefferson, the partnership is yet another way to drive for progress and breakthroughs.

“Families need one team working toward the same goal, in the same fight,” said Stephen K. Klasko, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “Jefferson Health’s experts are on the front lines of childhood-autism research, and now, with the Eagles leadership, we will push progress forward to make a difference in the lives of families of children with autism. We’re proud to partner with the Eagles on this important and vital initiative that will meet our mission of improving lives.”

Each participant in the Eagles Autism Challenge will be responsible for a registration fee as well as a fundraising minimum. To register, supporters are encouraged to visit www.eaglesautismchallenge.org. The registration fee for all three cycling routes is $150, while the 5K run/walk is $50. Virtual participants can sign up for $25. By registering for the Eagles Autism Challenge, members will receive access to the Friday Kick-Off Party and Saturday’s Finish Line Celebration at Lincoln Financial Field, free food and beverage for both days, a cycling jersey or 5K T-shirt, honorary medal (riders and runners/walkers only) and more.

Participants must be 13 or older for the 15-mile and 18 or older for the 30- and 50-mile rides. Children 12 and under may participate in the 5K free of charge under the supervision of a registered adult.

Eagles experiences have been added as rewards for participants who hit milestone fundraising markers.

“Finding ways for people on the autism spectrum to pursue fulfilling lives is vitally important work to this community, and I’m deeply grateful that the Eagles Autism Challenge will help us continue our efforts,” said Drexel University President, John Fry.

For more information on the Eagles Autism Challenge, please visit www.eaglesautismchallenge.org.

The Eagles Autism Challenge

The Eagles Autism Challenge is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to help unlock the mystery of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently touched by autism as well as future generations. Our event aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism. For more information, please visit www.eaglesautismchallenge.org.

The Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Center for Autism Research (CAR) was founded in 2008 with a three-part mission to understand the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in order to develop more effective, personalized therapies; to serve the needs of individuals with ASD and their family members with evidence-based guidance, resources and information throughout the lifespan; and to train the next generation of master clinicians and scientists in state-of-the-science best practices for autism screening, diagnosis and treatment. Our multidisciplinary team is made up of psychologists, developmental pediatricians, neurologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, radiologists and computer scientists who are working every day to discover ways to dramatically improve the lives of individuals with ASD and related conditions throughout a lifetime – from infancy through adulthood. Learn more about CAR’s work and resources at www.CenterforAutismResearch.org and www.CARautismRoadmap.org.

Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

Launched in 2012, the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute is the first research organization dedicated to bringing a public health approach to understanding and addressing the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders. An interdisciplinary team of world-class researchers explores autism’s character, causes, and consequences to develop community-based action to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism of all ages. Their research is rooted in the community and involves diverse populations; the science is broad-based, with a team that includes epidemiologists, community psychologists, environmental health scientists, and health and education policy research specialists. For more information, please visit http://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/.

Jefferson Autism and Sensory Integration Lab

Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health researchers are seeking to understand the underlying causes of autism by working to unlock the fundamental building blocks that control neuronal communication with focus on reasons autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders impacts more boys than girls. These efforts will help to identify novel therapeutic approaches. Jefferson also recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of the autism community. Nearly nine in 10 children and adults with autism have sensory difficulties that can interfere with everyday activities. They may be hypersensitive to sounds, sights, and the feel of fabric or other sensations. These issues can be debilitating, affecting learning, socializing, and even basic needs like eating. Jefferson’s Autism and Sensory Integration Lab uses sensory integration principles and occupational therapy-based programs that are customized to each child’s or adult’s needs to help children and families lead satisfying and fulfilling lives. For more information, please visit http://www.jefferson.edu/university/health-professions/departments/occupational-therapy/research/autism.html

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