EDMONTON, ALB. - Edmonton-based racer, Stefan Rzadzinski and his JDC MotorSports team have joined forces with Toronto-headquartered nonprofit organization Autism Speaks Canada. Rzadzinski will be an ambassador for the organization at the upcoming Honda Indy Toronto on July 13th and 14th, the sixth and seventh rounds of the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. The CanTorque/Christenson Developments #93 entry will be running with the Autism Speaks Canada puzzle piece branding throughout the weekend.
Since his 17 year-old brother, Artur, was diagnosed with autism in 2011, Rzadzinski has been looking for ways to help represent the cause and raise awareness of the condition. With his brother in need of full-time care at home, partnering with an organization like Autism Speaks Canada was always a natural fit. Autism Speaks, together with Autism Speaks Canada, fund global research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism and to raising public awareness about the disorder. Since their inauguration in 2005, Autism Speaks has grown into North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization.
“I’m thrilled to partner with an organization that is helping to try and find answers for families like mine," said Rzadzinski. "Due to the fact that my brother’s diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder was relatively late, my family has always been looking for answers without much luck. Although there is a long way to go in this field, it’s groups like Autism Speaks Canada that can help bring people insight into what goes on in the world of those affected by the disorder. Hopefully with our efforts we can help Autism Speaks make a difference in the lives of all families afflicted. I look forward to proudly running with the blue puzzle piece and represent Autism Speaks Canada in our upcoming Toronto race weekend!”
“We truly admire that Stefan is honouring his brother by putting the puzzle piece on his car to raise autism awareness,” said Frank Viti, President and CEO, Autism Speaks Canada. “The prevalence of autism is increasing, with 1 in 88 individuals now being diagnosed, so raising awareness is a vital part of our mission at Autism Speaks Canada.”
About Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks together with Autism Speaks Canada forms North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Fundraising walks for Autism Speaks are held across North America including 7 sites in Canada. Funds raised through walks and other events support Canadian autism research and community grants to agencies across Canada that work directly with children, youth and adults with autism. To learn more about Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.autismspeaks.ca.
Learn more about Stefan Rzadzinski at www.rzadracing.com, keep up to date via Twitter @rzadracing and his Facebook page @ Stefan-Rzadzinski.