Frank Trupia is doing what he can to support people with autism, two wheels at at time.
This past Saturday, Trupia once rode his bike 50 miles through central New Jersey as part of the Ride for Autism. He’s been biking for the ride for about 10 years and has been one of its largest fundraisers in recent years.
As so often happens with people who support a cause, Trupia rides because of a personal connection: His brother’s daughter, Jane. She’s just finishing up fifth grade at The Banyan School in Fairfield and in his email to supporters this year, Trupia let everyone know that Jane is thriving. “This year she participated in cheerleading and even tried her hand at modeling for the school fashion show, improv and stand-up comedy,” he wrote.
Trupia’s bicycle fundraising is geared to ensure that all of those on the autism spectrum get the support and services that his niece has had. New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the country, with one out of every 34 children–and one out of every 28 boys–on the autism spectrum. Proceeds from Trupia’s Saturday ride benefit Autism New Jersey, a nonprofit dedicated to providing lifelong services to those with autism. It also encourages research that may lessen the effects of autism, and potentially prevent it.
While this year’s ride is over, Trupia’s fundraising page is still active if you want to pump up its tires a bit. You can also learn more about Autism New Jersey here.
