Bryan and Melissa Harkins will receive this year's Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award. The Harkins are the founders and chairs of the Wall Street Rides FAR bicycling event, which has raised over $1 million for autism research over the past 4 years. The award, which recognizes excellence in autism research advocacy, will be presented at the sixth annual "Day of Learning" event, ASF's science conference for the autism community, on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, in New York City. The fifth annual Ride FAR will be held on October 5, 2019, at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains, NY.

 

The Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award is presented annually to family advocates whose energy, tenacity, and commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism best emulate Caryn's. Caryn was a loving and dedicated mom, and a tireless advocate who worked with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), Autism Speaks, and the Autism Science Foundation to raise money, advance autism research, and improve the lives of children around the country.

 

"My mom would have loved Wall Street Rides FAR because it's a great way for families to participate in a fun outdoor activity together while raising money for autism research," said Allyson Schwartzman, 25, daughter of Caryn Schwartzman and sister to twin brother Robby, who is diagnosed with autism. "My mom chaired the WALK FAR for NAAR so she knows exactly how much work and how much love Bryan and Melissa put into organizing this event year after year."

Read the full release here.

Register for the Day of Learning here.

Register for the 2019 Wall Street Rides FAR  here.