The Fairfield County lacrosse community is coming together for a cause that extends far beyond the field.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., the Darien Girls Lacrosse will host Long Island powerhouse St. Anthony’s (NY) for a special Autism Awareness Game benefiting children and families impacted by autism. Both teams are ranked Nationally.
The event is being organized in honor of Cameron, the four-and-a-half-year-old son of a Darien High School alum (Class of 2000) and co-founder and Director of Operations of the CT Grizzlies Girls Lacrosse Club. Cameron was diagnosed with Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder shortly after his second birthday after developmental delays were first identified by his pediatrician at his 18-month checkup.
For Cameron’s family, the diagnosis was both unexpected and overwhelming. But it also opened the door to early intervention services that have made an extraordinary difference in his life.
To learn more and to donate, click here.
One of the most meaningful resources the family found along the way was The SEED Center in Stamford, a specialized autism therapy center that supports children with autism and their families through applied behavioral analysis and early intervention therapies.
“It was one of Cameron’s Birth to Three therapists who told me about The SEED Center when I was having a particularly hard morning,” Cameron’s mother said. “By the end of that week I had reached out and scheduled a meeting. Their entire team has helped to change our lives.”
Inspired by Cameron’s journey and the life-changing impact of early intervention, the Darien and Fairfield County lacrosse communities are rallying together to raise awareness and funds so other families can access the same support.
The primary goal of the event is to raise awareness and encourage donations, whether supporters attend the game or contribute online.
All donations will be collected through Level the Playing Field, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting youth and families in need:
- 75% of donations will go directly toward The SEED Center’s Wish List, funding therapy tools, equipment, and resources that directly support children with autism.
- 25% of donations will support Level the Playing Field, helping fund scholarships and special projects for families in the community who need additional assistance.
- Fans attending the game will be able to donate instantly through QR codes available at a table before the game and throughout the stands, allowing supporters to contribute easily from their phones. Donation links will also be shared across Darien Girls Lacrosse, CT Grizzlies, Darien Youth Lacrosse, and Sound Lacrosse social media platforms, ensuring anyone inspired by the cause can participate.
Players and coaching staff from both teams will wear Autism Awareness shirts during pregame, and early fundraising efforts from parents and players, including Autism Awareness shirt purchases and CT Grizzlies gear sales have already raised $600 toward the cause through Lax.com.
What began as one community game has quickly grown into something much larger. After hearing Cameron’s story, Staples High School, Conard High School, Greenwich Country Day School, and Greenwich Academy have also committed to using their April games as Autism Awareness Games, with players wearing autism awareness ribbons to show their support.
The Darien vs. St. Anthony’s matchup will also be live streamed on DAF Media and Long Island Lacrosse Journal, helping spread awareness about autism and the importance of early intervention to audiences beyond Fairfield County.
For Cameron’s mother, the response from the lacrosse community has been deeply moving.
“The support I received after sharing Cameron’s story with the Darien program, other lacrosse programs and the Grizzlies community has been overwhelming and incredibly heartwarming,” she said. “The texts, calls, and emails from families sharing their own stories reminded me how many people are navigating similar journeys. I know I cannot thank everyone personally, so this is my opportunity to simply say, Thank You.”
Organizers emphasize that the most impactful way to support the effort is simple: make a donation.
Whether attending the game, watching the livestream, or supporting the cause from home, every contribution helps ensure children like Cameron receive the therapy, resources, and support they need to thrive.