Why Mahoning Valley Warrior is More Than Just a Day
At the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, we believe in the power of connection—and nowhere is that more evident than at our Mahoning Valley Warrior event. Each year, hundreds of families, friends, service providers, schools, businesses, and advocates gather to walk, run, pull tractors, lift, laugh, and share stories. This event is so much more than a fundraiser. It’s a community in motion. It’s a reminder that while the autism journey may have its challenges, it is one we never have to walk alone.
Celebrating the Highs
There is incredible beauty in the autism community. We celebrate every milestone—whether it’s a child saying their first word, a young adult landing their first job, or a family finding the support they’ve been seeking. We see our children shine on stage, on the field, in classrooms, and in their own unique ways. These are the moments we lift up at Mahoning Valley Warrior. The laughter of siblings racing in the fun run. The cheers as someone completes the 5K for the first time. The shared joy of a sensory-friendly game or a new friendship made at the resource fair.
Acknowledging the Lows
But we also know this path is not always easy. Behind many of the smiling faces at our event are stories of struggle—diagnoses that came with fear and uncertainty, battles for services, nights filled with worry, and days filled with advocating, explaining, and hoping. We come together not just to celebrate the good, but to stand in solidarity through the hard. We honor the caregivers who don’t give up, the individuals who keep trying, and the families who rise again and again despite the weight they carry.
More Than a Diagnosis
Mahoning Valley Warrior is a living, breathing example that autism is not a limitation—it’s part of a much larger, richer story. A story that includes strength, brilliance, resilience, and love. Our loved ones are more than a diagnosis. They are musicians, gamers, thinkers, dancers, builders, dreamers, and doers. And the people who surround them—the parents, teachers, friends, professionals, and community partners—are warriors in their own right.
United in Purpose
When we show up for Mahoning Valley Warrior, we’re not just participating in a walk or a fundraiser. We’re showing the world that we are here, we are proud, and we are united. We are pushing back against stigma, celebrating neurodiversity, and creating a future where every autistic individual is supported, valued, and included.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Whether this is your first year or your sixth, your presence matters. You remind every family in the Mahoning Valley that they are not alone. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are warriors.
With gratitude,
Stacie M Bacorn
Executive Director
Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley