Chicago Teamsters Raise More Than $3 Million For Autism Research

The “In Search of a Cure” golf event coordinated by Teamsters Local 731 raised a new grand total of more than $3 million for autism research after its 11th annual outing on Thursday, July 26.

Named in honor of Bryan D. Hancock, the autistic son of Teamsters Joint Council 25 Vice President and Local 731 President Terrence J. Hancock, “In Search of a Cure” remains a leader in autism awareness and support in the Chicago area. Hundreds of sponsors, golfers and Teamster supporters assemble each year at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, Ill., and Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Ill., to shine light on curing the developmental disorder.

“Together we will cure autism,” Hancock said. “The millions we have already raised will benefit children and adults living with autism in and around Chicago for years to come. Such significant strides in therapy and new research would not be possible without the support of our Teamster affiliates and local partners throughout the city.”

All proceeds from this year’s golf tournament are donated to Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago on behalf of the organization’s Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, located at 13th St. and Damen Ave. “In Search of a Cure” has directly donated $600,000 dollars in recent years to Easter Seals to finalize construction of its research center. Upon completion, the next construction phase will include a warm water therapy pool and aquatic center named in honor of Bryan D. Hancock.

In addition to physical therapy, the center will expand Easter Seals’ Chicago campus to include educational research, early intervention training, job placement programs for young adults and independent living instruction.

“The Teamsters and Easter Seals will change the world with the cutting edge research and treatment being provided at the Therapeutic School,” said Hancock, who was appointed to Easter Seals’ Board of Directors in January. “Together we can help develop research programs of paramount importance, not only in finding a cure for autism, but in implementing successful treatments for individuals like my amazing son Bryan.”

Approximately one in 88 children born today in the United States are diagnosed with autism. There is currently no known cure. To learn more about autism and find ways to get involved, visit AutismSpeaks.org.

To offer additional support to the “In Search of a Cure” Golf Event in Honor of Bryan D. Hancock, contact Teamsters Local 731 at (630) 887-4100 or go online to InSearchOfACure.org.

Teamsters Local 731 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana.