Freight with a Purpose: Spreading Awareness for Autism and Parkinson’s Across the Country

Each April, global initiatives shine a light on Autism and Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.  From iconic landmarks glowing blue to educational campaigns, efforts are underway to increase understanding and support.  Road Scholar Transport joins this movement year-round, using its fleet of 53-foot tractor trailers to advocate for both causes on highways across the country.

Lighting It Up Blue for Autism Awareness

Autism Speaks, founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, initiated the Light It Up Blue campaign in 2010 to highlight World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.  This campaign encourages individuals, businesses, and landmarks worldwide to display blue lights, update their social media with awareness graphics, and distribute autism-related information.

Prominent global landmarks participating in Light It Up Blue include:

  • The Empire State Building
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Christ the Redeemer Statue
  • Niagara Falls
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.  According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, with boys being four times more likely to be affected than girls.

Early signs of autism may include:

  • Lack of joyful expressions by six months
  • Absence of shared communication by nine months
  • No babbling or gestures by 12 months
  • Delayed speech development

Although there is no cure for autism, early intervention and specialized therapies can significantly improve quality of life.  Road Scholar Transport collaborates with Autism Speaks to spread awareness through its dedicated autism-themed truck, which not only delivers freight but also makes appearances at events nationwide.

For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Taking 6 for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness

The phrase "Take 6 for PD" refers to the staggering statistic that Parkinson's Disease (PD) is diagnosed every six minutes in the U.S.  This movement encourages individuals to dedicate six minutes to learning about the disease and spreading awareness.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting those over 60.  Common symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, and balance issues.  Early indicators may involve a reduced sense of smell and progressively smaller handwriting.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over 1 million Americans currently live with the disease, with approximately 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually.  Risk factors include:

  • Age – Risk increases with age, though early-onset cases occur.
  • Gender – Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop PD than women.
  • Genetics – Those with a close relative affected by PD have an increased risk.
  • Environmental Factors – Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and industrial toxins, may heighten the risk.

Though there is no cure, treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms.

Road Scholar Transport expanded its awareness fleet in 2011 to include a Parkinson’s-themed truck, following a request from retired attorney Joseph Coviello, President of the NEPA Parkinson’s Foundation and a PD patient himself.  Partnering with Allied Rehab and John Heinz Rehabilitation Centers, the "Stand Up and Fight Parkinson’s" trailer was developed to emphasize the challenges of mobility that many Parkinson’s patients face.

For more information, visit www.parkinson.org. 

Driving Awareness Forward

Road Scholar Transport remains committed to using our platform to educate the public and advocate for critical health causes.  Whether raising awareness for autism or Parkinson’s, our trucks serve as rolling billboards, reminding communities of the importance of early diagnosis, research, and support.  Together, we can make a difference one mile at a time.


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