Strawberry fields: Slugger goes to bat for senator’s autism bill
ST. LOUIS — Darryl Strawberry — yes, that Darryl Strawberry — was downtown today, headlining a press conference to help an effort in Jefferson City to expand health insurance coverage for autism.
The former New York Met slugger and eight-time All-Star is now a resident of the St. Charles area.
Today, Strawberry was with State Sens. Scott Rupp — whose district includes St. Charles County — and Eric Schmitt, two Republicans leading the autism fight in the Senate.
On Sept. 20, the 1983 Rookie of the Year will be at T.R. Hughes ballpark, part of a rally to help support Rupp’s autism bill, which would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.
Strawberry and wife Tracy started The Darryl Strawberry Foundation after the pair visited the Center for Autism Education in O’Fallon, Mo. The goal of the foundation is to improve the lives of individuals who suffer from autism.
Best of luck with this much-needed bill. One wonders if the insurance industry will be lobbying for its defeat.
It is so awsome seeing Strawberry doing so well and giving back so much now to others. He is a true testimony of what faith in God can do for people along with having a wonderful and supportive wife by his side. I hope that they both keep the good fight to the end.
I hate gingers.
ditto
Mr. Strawberry, thank you so much for caring. As the mother of an autistic son as well as two autistic grandchildren I applaud you for all your efforts. You are in my prayers
I didn’t even realize Strawberry was living here. He has made many mistakes in his life so you hope that he has really turned the corner.
This is politically incorrect but I worry about the cost of expanding coverage.
Kudos to Darryl Strawberry. It would seem to be an issue that all the “right to life” folks in the House could get behind. As to the insurance companies, well what do you expect? They give definition to GREED!
Way to go Straw! I’ll be honest: I never liked you as a Met or a Yankee, but that only becasue you guys always beat up on my Red Sox!!! But seeing you step up for this noble and important cause really warms my heart, and ytou deserve all the ccredit in the world for helping out! There are not nearly enough athletes doing thing like this.
BTW - I write a web comic about autism (otscomic.blogspot.com) and the very first issue published dealt with this very thing. Come on by and check it out, if anyone’s interested.
Thank you Senator Rupp for the start in health care reform. Now, how about go all the way by supporting our President and his efforts for real and sweeping health care reform?
I just wanted to say thank you for being part of the event in O’fallon. My autistic son austin was soooooo nervous to meet you. but you just told him that you were just a person like him and he calmed down immediately. he couldn’t stop talking about you and what he called “the award lady” (meaning jackie joyner) all the way home.. and its a two hour drive!!!! Thank you again for making a difference, not just in the bill, but in the lives of these wonderful youngsters.