April 25, 2009

Last month's Lacrosse for Autism doubleheader that featured games between Duke and Dartmouth and Stony Brook and UMBC raised $6,358 for the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities it was announced today. A check was presented by Stony Brook University Director of Athletics, Jim Fiore, and Brendan Fleming, co-founder of Lacrosse for Autism, to Dr. John Pomeroy, Founding Director of the Cody Center, prior to this evening's lacrosse game between Stony Brook and Albany.

"The Cody Center deeply appreciates the support and dedication of the Fleming family, Lacrosse for Autism and Lacrosse Unlimited as they seek to raise both funds and awareness for autism and developmental disabilities. The funds raised through Lacrosse for Autism will assist the Cody Center in expanding our parent support and sibling support group programs," stated Dr. Pomeroy.

On Long Island, nearly 90,000 people have been diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The most common is Autism, which may now be diagnosed in as many as one in 150 children. Since its founding in 2001, The Cody Center at Stony Brook University has become the primary resource for information and research on autism and related disorders for Long Island. The mission of the Cody Center is to advance the care for many individuals in the region with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. For more information please visit our website www.codycenter.org.

"Lacrosse for Autism and Lacrosse Unlimited are so grateful for the support and generosity of Stony Brook Athletics", said Flemming. "Hosting the event each year provides exciting Division I lacrosse while increasing autism awareness. We are very excited to continue to grow this Lacrosse for Autism showcase for years to come".

Lacrosse for Autism was created by Brendan and Jennifer Fleming of St. James, New York to bring Autism awareness to the Long Island lacrosse community. Each festival-style event for Lacrosse for Autism is based on sharing Autism resources and information with families and friends touched by a child with Autism.

"We are extremely pleased to make this presentation to the Cody Center," said Fiore. "This is a tremendous event for both the Cody Center and autism awareness as well as for college lacrosse. This event is has grown tremendously and is an important part of our community. We look forward to being a part of it in the future."