Inspired by a father and a son, HollyRod Foundation was formed in 1996 by actress, Holly Robinson Peete and her husband former NFL quarterback, Rodney Peete. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing help and hope to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. Robinson Jr., HollyRod partnered with the Center for Parkinson’s Research and Movement Disorders at the Keck School of Medici
ne of the University of Southern California to establish The HollyRod Compassionate Care Program with the mission to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s. The program provides patient services including physician consultations, speech and swallowing evaluation and treatment, physical therapy, counseling services and ambulation aids to those who have little or no healthcare insurance and limited financial resources. After Holly and Rodney’s eldest son, RJ, was diagnosed with autism, HollyRod’s mission expanded to provide support and resources to families also affected by an autism diagnosis. Like Parkinson’s, autism can decimate families physically, emotionally and most of all financially. HollyRod introduced the “Give the Gift of Voice” campaign in 2010, providing tablet computers and specially-designed apps to help give a voice to those without. 50% of children living with autism have extreme difficulty learning to speak, 25% of them never will. While these individuals may not be able to speak, they have much to say and through the “Give the Gift of Voice” campaign, they can now make their voice heard. It is our commitment to continue this program so that every individual living with autism has a voice. HollyRod is currently developing plans to create The HollyRod Autism Network at California State University, Northridge, a unique constellation of autism resources, services, and one-one-one support, all with a family-centered focus.
