Ernie Els, Dan Marino Team for Autism
Because of his accomplishments in golf -- with three major championships, 16 PGA TOUR titles and more than 60 worldwide victories, Els is easily one of the most visible players in the game -- he knew he eventually was going to have to come public with his son's condition.There's no doubt that Dan Marino has already done a great deal for the cause of autism. Here's hoping that an Els/Marino partnership can do even more!But Els also realized his stature could play a key role in helping to fight a disease that affects 1 in 150 children, according to Autism Speaks. And that's what Els has done: throw his considerable clout behind raising money and awareness for the disease.
His bag is adorned with an Autism Speaks logo. He and his wife, Liezl, have started a foundation. Later this month, Els will host a pro-am at PGA National to raise money for autism research.
The response was so overwhelming from his fellow pros -- among the stars playing are Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd, Gary Player, Donald and Justin Rose -- Els had to turn down some requests.
...Els has joined forces with, among others, former NFL star Dan Marino, another South Florida resident who also has a son with autism and has helped build a hospital in Weston that concentrates on autistic children....
Els says his decision to go public with Ben's condition has prompted others to do the same with him. When young pros seek him out for advice these days, it's not just about a swing thought. "Some of the young guys who just got married, they ask me questions because they are going to have families," he says." They want to know if there's a way of telling if going to happen or not ... is it in your blood or genes, whether it's flu shots ... we are trying to find out why it's happening. I get a lot more questions about it."
Comments
Too bad the executive director of Autism Speaks promotes unproven bio-medical treatments for autism, and secretly emails information to David Kirby.
Uhhh, that would be DAN Marino.
whoops. thanks. all fixed.
Lisa
Lisa, nice comment. Celebrities do have power by virtue of their stature and it is nice to see them put that power to good use.
AutismNewsBeat why don’t you take a day off from your ideological, non-evidence based approach to discussing autism?
Sorry Harold, didn’t mean to scare you like that.
I am very disappointed that Ernie Els, as a South African, would represent Autism Speaks and not Autism South Africa. America is well equipped in the Autism arena, whereas South Africa, his own country still struggles everyday to get even a miniscule amount of support from the government. I would think that as a “proud” South African Ernie Els would strive to assist the people in his mother country. It’s great that Ernie is speaking out for Autism, but how about he remembers that Charity starts at home!!! More than disappointed actually. Disgusted!!
I have a lot of respect for Els family. Ernie is an ambassador for South Africa. His choice should be supported, to admit it and actually make a meaningful contribution towards Autism. Autism is bigger than any one organisation or country. One cannot assume that Ernie is not supporting Autism in South Africa.
Yes, one could argue that he mainly should support South Africa where very limited funds and service delivery are available. The reason for the lack of funds and service delivery in South Africa rests on the Government Departments and the ability of parent and local organisations to lobby Government to obtain such services and appropriate funding.
Thank you Harold. That was the best comment I’ve heard in a long time
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AutismNewsBeat why don’t you take a day off from your ideological, non-evidence based approach to discussing autism?
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While I don’t always agree with AS. I’m glad to see that they are starting to see that there are alternative solutions and treatments for children with autism. I still don’t understand why so many have a problem with Bio Medical treatments. What is wrong with changing a childs diet to include fresh organics/GF/CF and adding supplements? Who is it hurting except the pharma companies? I find people that constantly have things to say about autism and bio medical, that aren’t truly involved in it are just blowing “hot air”. I do believe I heard a squeak. If you don’t have a hand on the table then fold…that includes you ANB. Just go away and leave our babies alone.
So Dan Marino’s kid Michael is autistic again? Back on 2/22/05 on the Today Show with Katy Couric he was cured (we have an autie or 3 in our house!). Cured, despite not even being mainstreamed except for gym and history….
And Autism Speaks?? The group that wishes adult auties didn’t exist so they could just happily grab money from deperate curebie mommies? Ugh.
People, take a page from the book of Temple Grandin’s mother - a very gracious, well-spoken, intelligent woman.
Be happy with the child you have and simply help them to be the best person they can be. Every minute you spend aiming for the child you wanted is a moment lost with the one in front of you.
I would like to thank Ernie for all the effort he is putting into recearch. My son is also autistic and I live in South Africa. My son needs so desperately a private tutor, but Autism South Africa says I must put him in a pre-school were they have given workshops or get a private tutor. It is impossible to pay a teacher’s salary out of our income. He is such a bright little boy were do I turn to for help, it breaks my heart that I can’t give him more than the home schooling that I do at the moment. Thank you Ernie and Liesl don’t let people make you feel bad who you support! Lots of love and understanding