Together for Autism Research Gala: MMRI Hosts Inaugural Event in NYC to Advance Autism Research
New York, NY – May 29, 2025 — The inaugural Together for Autism Research Gala brought more than elegant gowns and heartfelt toasts to the iconic Grand Lodge Room in New York City, it delivered a collective call to action.
Chair of the Gala, Harry Pateroulakis, opened the evening by setting the tone: this was not simply a fundraiser, it was a movement rooted in inclusion, understanding, and scientific innovation. As the leader of the MMRI Downstate Advisory Committee, he spoke of the committee’s bold outreach over six months across New York City and Long Island, engaging nonprofits, doctors, educators, and advocacy organizations to shine a light on autism research. “Together,” he said, “we’ve raised the bar and set a new standard for what’s possible.”
A Father’s Voice, A Community’s Hope
The evening’s keynote speaker, Harry Psaros, author of Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity, offered an intimate account of raising his son Gus, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. Blending humor with vulnerability, Psaros described his initial hesitation when asked to speak at the gala, joking that “speechless” isn’t a word typically associated with him. Even his son Max chimed in before the event: “Dad, you never stop talking. Please keep it under two hours.”
Yet Psaros’s message struck a deep chord as he spoke of turning struggle into strength through faith, family, and resilience. He shared how in moments of hardship, he would often hold his Orthodox cross, close his eyes, and ask for clarity, not for answers, but for the strength to carry forward. Drawing on that same strength, he addressed fathers in the room directly, urging them to see their children not as burdens, but as divine gifts. “God doesn’t make mistakes,” he said. “Our children are a reminder to live slower, love deeper, and believe fiercely.”
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2014, when he became the first father to keynote the Pittsburgh Autism Notebook Conference, Psaros recalled a group of mothers tearfully asking him to speak to their husbands, men who were struggling to face their child’s diagnosis. That encounter solidified his mission: to reach fathers and let them know they are not alone, and they are more capable than they realize.
As he introduced his son Gus to the audience, Psaros declared: “Autism hasn’t defined you, you’ve defined autism.” He concluded by sharing that Gus gave him permission to write the book with one condition: “If we can help just one person, it’s worth it.” The room responded with a standing ovation.
Elevating Awareness Through Communication
MMRI Downstate Advisory Committee member and communications executive Dorie Klissas underscored the power of storytelling in creating change. She emphasized the urgency of amplifying voices in the autism community, stating that awareness leads to understanding and understanding is what drives progress.
A Scientific Vision Grounded in Compassion
Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Executive Director of the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI), delivered a compelling overview of MMRI’s expanding role in autism research. She reminded guests that autism now affects 1 in 36 individuals, a statistic that reflects real people with limitless potential. For Dr. Kontaridis, this evening was about more than raising funds. It was about raising hope, and driving forward a vision for personalized, data-informed interventions that can transform lives.
“This is not just a gala,” she affirmed. “It’s a call to action. When science and community come together, we can move mountains.”
A Night of Unity and Impact
Proceeds from the gala will directly support MMRI’s ongoing autism research initiatives, including studies on genetics, brain development, and early-stage interventions. As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of purpose, unity, and renewed commitment. In a world that too often misunderstands autism, this night offered a powerful reminder: when science, storytelling, and humanity move as one, real change is not only possible, it is already happening.
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