A MESSAGE FROM Gino Cap’s Autism Challenge
My name is Gino Caporale Jr. I’m 30 years old, I’m from Sewell, New Jersey, and I was born and raised in South Philadelphia. I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 4 years old. Over the years, I’ve been told by basically every doctor/therapist that “you’ll never do this,” “you’ll never do that.” “You won’t have friends, an independent life, you may even be non-verbal.” But thanks to my awesome parents, I was able to get the help I needed to do all of that and then some. I graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with a Minor in Education, and I work a steady job at Jefferson Methodist Hospital. I am also a marching member of the Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars in the Mummers Parade, a tradition my family has been in for 50 years. But the coolest thing that I can say about myself is that I am a big brother to two amazing guys, one of whom is also on the Autism Spectrum.
This year, I will join the entire Eagles organization and thousands of others from the community in participating in the Eagles Autism Challenge. This transformational event is committed to funding innovative autism research and care programs with the goal of advancing scientific breakthroughs.
Every dollar of participant-raised funds will go directly towards the Eagles Autism Foundation, as together we take action for autism, not only in Philadelphia, but around the world. I hope you will consider making a donation towards my fundraising goal to help make a difference in the autism community. Thank you!
