When Kathy and Mike Bosco’s grandson was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old, Kathy sought to find a resource to help them better understand this new journey. Soon after, she discovered Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and offered to volunteer so she could learn as much as she could about the ins and outs of autism.
Kathy wanted to provide support to other grandparents of grandchildren with autism, so in 2002 she helped form SARRC’s Grandparents Group.
“I started reaching out to other grandparents in similar situations so they, too, could feel educated, involved and empowered about autism,” says Kathy.
Twenty years later—and with their grandson now a graduate of Michigan State University who is working and studying to complete his master’s degree—the SARRC Grandparents Group is thriving and has impacted more than 550 members. In addition to supporting SARRC in numerous capacities, Mike and Kathy’s influence is felt globally.
“We focus much of our support on autism-related causes, supporting annually a child with autism in Romania and a Michigan State University student working toward a doctoral degree in the study of autism,” says Kathy.
Both proud Michigan State University (MSU) alumni, Mike and Kathy have supported the university’s efforts to develop a dynamic autism study program modeled after SARRC’s Community School and various clinical services. MSU students learn to teach children with autism using evidence-based techniques. Their contributions have supported the development of two centers, with a third in the works.
Through both their work and volunteer careers, Mike and Kathy have always been involved, and respected community leaders. Kathy has been honored several times for her work as a teacher in Arizona. Now retired, Mike practiced law in Phoenix for more than 50 years. In 2015, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the USFN-America’s Mortgage & Banking Attorneys.
As Legacy Circle members, it’s important to Mike and Kathy that the work they’ve dedicated to the autism community continues to be supported for years to come.
“We want the funds to be available to meet future challenges in the research and assistance of those whose lives are touched by autism,” says Kathy.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Legacy Circle member and ensuring the continued vitality and growth of SARRC’s services from one generation to the next, please contact Beth Salazar at [email protected] or 602-340-8717, ext. 1039.
