Karen Murray – Emerging

Caring for her son, who is on the autism spectrum, gave Karen Murray the vision to reach beyond her family and help others. In 2016 Murray founded For Spectrum Sake. Through her organization, she supports families caring for loved ones with differing abilities – many who are on the autism spectrum.

Murray shares information, supports families and works to make a difference no matter how small. She serves as an advocate and bridge between organizations such as the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), the Board of Developmental Disabilities and Cuyahoga County.

The organization regularly serves 10 to 15 families dealing with autism or a severe disability. “I hope to let families know that they are not alone. There are services out here to assist them in their journey as they care for a loved one.”

For Spectrum Sake’s goal is to help decrease stigmas relating to people who are multi-challenged. “We want to create a different perception so that we can move forward to in assisting families who, on a daily basis, are dealing with this.”