BASS Pros Add Decal To Raise Autism Awareness
By Robert Montgomery - BASSMASTER Magazine, September/October 2009

Aided by Elite Series Pro, Eli Delany has taken a second giant step toward prompting autism awareness through competitive bass fishing.

Mike Iaconelli is leading the charge,” said the long time Bass member from Boston. “But Tim Horton. Ish Monroe, Kevin VanDam and Kelly Jordan also are supporting us.” They are doing so by displaying Delany’s “Fishin’with A Mission”decal on their boats and trailers. Companies pay them thousands of dollars for that kind of placement, and they’re not getting a dime for this, “he added. “That says a lot.

“There’s no company name on the decal, so there are no sponsor conflicts,” said the father of Luke, and 8-year-old with autism.“ There’s just the autism ribbon, a hook and line.” It also includes the address of Delany’s Web site (www.mylittlebuddysboat.com) , which provides information about austism and where to go for help in its diagnosis and treatment, as well as the new decal program.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects one in every 150 children.
Those afflicted typically exhibit difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and leisure and play activities.

“The communication between a parent and a child with autism doesn’t come easy,”
delany said. “But Luke loves the water. Ït’s a great connection for us to be out there together.”