It’s always beneficial when a well-known public figure can use their celebrity status to raise awareness and funding for autism.  But when that celebrity also has a child with autism, there is a “credibility” factor and an instant connection is made with the autism community. As a result, great things are typically accomplished.

Such is the case with Dan Marino, who along with his wife Claire, have been bringing autism awareness to the public eye since 1992 when they established the Dan Marino Foundation.

Marino’s son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at an early age but through intensive therapy, has been able to far exceed expectations that were made for him at the time of his diagnosis.  Now at 21, Michael is an amazing young man and living a productive and fruitful young life.

The Dan Marino Foundation has been an instrumental organization for those with autism in the South Florida area and continues to impact the community to this day.  On Saturday, January 29th, 2011 , Marino’s foundation will be hosting its first annual autism walk at Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  All proceeds raised from the event will stay in the South Florida community and benefit autism services and awareness.

Celebrity attendees at this event will include Dan Marino, Miami Dolphin alumni players, Miami-Dade and Broward County elected officials, and television personalities.  There will also be a video game zone, music, and entertainment.  For more information about the event or to learn how to participate go to www.dmfwalkaboutautism.org .

To witness how far Marino’s child has come since his early years, check out the video below.  It first aired in 2005 when Michael Marino was 16.