A Delta Township man started his own foundation to help people with autism and he's getting support from some big names.
On Thursday, the foundation held its first fundraising event for the Xavier Degroat Autism Foundation, held at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Speakers included Mark Dantonio, Tom Izzo, and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.
Founder Xavier Degroat was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Now it's his mission to advocate for those diagnosed with the disorder, and educate people to focus on their abilities and not the disability.
He said, "Our goal is to make sure people are aware of what the ultimate potential that people with autism have to reach, and its struggles that they continually have, reaching their own potential. So hopefully we can break down those boundaries for people with autism as we start bringing awareness today."
Degroat has discussed autism advocacy with dozens of politicians and leaders from around the country, including Sen. John McCain, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Dalai Lama.
