TowBoatUS Islamorada owners Ilene Perez and Carlos Galindo have wrapped one of their boats — a 32-foot Ocean Master — with puzzle graphics designed to raise autism awareness. Perez’s 17-year-old son Lief Diaz is autistic.
“The puzzle imagery for autism awareness represents the complex nature of this diagnosis,” Perez said in a statement. “Each puzzle piece reminds us of how every person with autism is different. Just like all the moving parts on a boat, there are many things to learn, to consider and to work toward once a loved one is diagnosed with autism. It’s a challenge that requires community, and it is so rewarding to see awareness and sensitivity to this topic move forward by leaps and bounds.”
In support of National Autism Awareness Day, which this year is April 2, Perez and Galindo will donate a portion of the proceeds from each tow they conduct during the month to the Island Dolphin Care Center, which provides animal-assisted programs for special-needs children and adults, and their families and caregivers.
“We are proud that Ilene and Carlos are using their boat as a platform to bring attention to an important topic like autism awareness,” BoatUS vice president of towing services John Condon said in the statement. “They are constantly out on the water and are known by so many boaters in the community that will know as to why their boat looks a bit different. It’s sure to get people thinking.”
