Investing in families, investing in futures: Two couples support providers in new autism-focused center

From left, Professional Golfer Ernie Els, his wife, Liezl, and their son, Ben, Sarah Delahanty, Jessica Foster and Allison Burke at the Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center.

When Carter and Carole Lewis and Gary and Rhonda Didado decided to make transformational gifts to Akron Children’s, they weren’t just giving money. They were stepping into the lives of thousands of families touched by autism – families who, like their own, know that even small breakthroughs can mean everything.

These couples’ gifts support the Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center.

About our donors

For Carter and Carole, the decision to give was shaped by a deeply personal experience. Their grandson, diagnosed as an infant after suffering seizures, has lived with autism for more than 2 decades. “Akron Children’s made a big difference in his life,” Carole said. “But they also gave our daughter something just as valuable: insight, guidance and support to help her navigate everything he was going through.”

Today, that grandson is 22. He still lives at home, doesn’t drive and requires some family support, but he has found his own independence working at a local movie theater in Tiffin. “He’s very smart, high-functioning and passionate about movies,” Carter shared. “He’s not afraid to tell you exactly what he thinks. And he’s thriving in his own way.”

Carole added, “Seeing what he has accomplished and the challenges he continues to face makes us want to help other families have the same kind of support.”

For Gary and Rhonda Didado, their philanthropic journey began decades earlier. Gary’s father founded J.W. Didado Electric, a family business, in 1958, and Gary grew it from just 4 employees to more than 1,200. “Work as a family, play as a family,” Gary said, describing how Rhonda later joined him in the business. After selling to Quanta Services, he continued to lead the company for nearly a decade before retiring.

But their interest in autism care came through both personal and community ties. Gary’s sister had epilepsy and developmental challenges. “Any advancement she made, even small ones, became a big deal,” he said. “When you live with someone who struggles, you learn to celebrate the little things. You also learn how important it is to give families hope.”

Rhonda added, “It touches you in so many ways – family, friends and co-workers. Everyone knows someone. That’s why when we saw what Akron Children’s was planning with the Autism Center, we knew it was something we had to support.”

Rhonda and Gary Didado believe that Akron Children’s is well positioned to deliver comprehensive autism services because it is an organization that adapts to community needs.

A growing diagnosis, a growing waitlist

Across the U.S., 1 in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, a dramatic increase from 1 in 68 just 10 years ago.

In northeast Ohio, more than 5,000 children live with autism. The demand for services – which covers physical, mental and behavioral health – continues to grow. Akron Children’s has more than 1,000 families waiting over a year for diagnostic evaluations.

Jessica Foster, MD, MPH, FAAP, director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, sees this as one of the most urgent issues. “Access is the biggest challenge,” she explained. “Families wait months or even years for a diagnosis, and then they face just as many barriers to getting intervention services. That’s unacceptable. The Akron Children’s Autism Center is working to change that.”

Dr. Foster’s colleague, Allison Burke, MD, MPH, FAAP, director of the Autism Diagnostic Clinic, agreed. “Families don’t just want a label. They want to know how to help their child. Our clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation, all in one day, from multiple providers. It gives families a clearer picture and a plan for the future.”

And while families wait, their children continue to grow. Without early interventions, crucial windows of development can close. “When we do things better for kids with autism, we do things better for all children with developmental disabilities,” Dr. Foster emphasized. “This is about creating a system that truly meets families where they are.”

The hidden costs for families

Sarah Delahanty, MD, MPH, FAAP, administrative director of medical subspecialties, has worked at Akron Children’s for more than 13 years. She has seen the strain families face – not just emotionally, but financially.

“Autism care is incredibly expensive. Insurance doesn’t always cover everything, and even when it does, it rarely supports the whole family. Parents carry enormous stress,” she said. “Our goal is to empower families, make care less overwhelming, and create a truly sensory-friendly environment for kids.”

It’s exactly these kinds of challenges that inspired donors like the Lewises and Didados to step in. “When you see families struggling, when you see waitlists a mile long, you realize this isn’t something that can be solved without community support,” Gary said.

Donors Jim and Linda Venner were among the first to help the hospital more aggressively pursue autism treatment. They established the Venner Family Endowed Chair in Autism, where Dr. Foster currently serves as the endowed chair. This gift served as a springboard for the development of the Autism Center.

Carole and Carter Lewis’ grandson’s challenges with autism inspired them to give to the new center. They believe
the need for autism services will continue to grow, and they are humbled to be among those helping families in need.

Rooted in community

For both donor families, Akron Children’s isn’t just another hospital; it’s part of their story.

The Lewises first became connected in 2010, when the hospital purchased the pediatric practice that their children and grandchildren visited. Later, they developed property that Akron Children’s converted into the Warren Health Center. “We became both landlord and contractor,” Carter explained. “But more importantly, we got to know the people – leaders like former CEO Bill Considine and current Chief Operating Officer Lisa Aurilio – who showed us the passion and pride that defines this hospital.”

He remembers that first meeting vividly. “I went home and wrote a check that same day. It wasn’t a lot, but I was inspired. You meet these people, and you realize that they are truly in it for the kids,” he said.

The Didados feel the same way. “Akron Children’s is a premier hospital. People come from all over the country. And it’s independent – it hasn’t been swallowed by a big conglomerate. In a city like Akron, where we’ve lost so much in terms of jobs and industry, this hospital is a beacon of growth and strength,” Gary said

Rhonda added, “The talent Akron Children’s attracts is second to none. And the fact that they continue to adjust to community needs, like creating this Autism Center, shows why they deserve support.”

Leading by example

For Carter and Carole, giving is part of their family identity. Married 42 years, they’ve raised 3 daughters and 12 grandchildren, including 2 adopted grandsons from Africa. “Being a role model is the best way to encourage giving,” Carter said. “All of our kids are committed to supporting organizations they believe in.”

Carole added that their philanthropy is about more than money. “It’s about supporting not only children, but also parents and grandparents. Akron Children’s understands that families need guidance and reassurance as much as medical care. That’s why we give.”

Gary and Rhonda view their philanthropy in similar terms. They’ve created a family foundation with hopes that their family will carry it on. “The legacy of helping people is more important than the legacy of our company,” Gary said. “We want our kids and grandkids to see that giving back is part of living well.”

Their commitment extends beyond Akron Children’s. Rhonda volunteers with community organizations like the Embrace Clinic & Care Center and Gary with the Halo Foundation, teaching high school students about philanthropy. Together, the couple also supports initiatives for hunger relief, veterans and education. “We examine the causes we give to very carefully,” Rhonda said. “Children’s health and autism are always near the top of our list.”

Changing the landscape

Already, donor support has made an enormous difference. “We wouldn’t have been able to get this plan off the ground without early gifts,” Dr. Foster noted. “Those donations funded staff training, hiring and the design of the physical space. It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come because donors believed in this vision.”

Dr. Burke echoed that gratitude. “It feels like a dream. For years, attempts to launch a dedicated autism center stalled. Now it’s real. And that’s because donors stepped in. There aren’t words to express how grateful we are.”

Carter said that he is confident that his and Carole’s investment will be managed properly. “You want to give where you know the money is being used by the right people to do the right things. Akron Children’s has that culture,” he said.

The Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center opened in November 2025, serving children from infancy through adulthood. Nearly 40 new positions will be added over the next five years, from behavioral health specialists to patient navigators.

By its fifth year, the center should manage more than 40,000 visits annually.

“Autism is not going away,” Dr. Burke reminded. “But thanks to donors, we’re building a place that will not only meet the need today but also grow for the future.”

Gary and Rhonda are eager to see the center expand over time.

“We’ve seen firsthand the hope this hospital provides. If you haven’t given before, come see the Autism
Center for yourself. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it matters,” said Gary.

Carter offered one more encouragement to donors who are considering joining their efforts to help kids
and families with autism: “Akron Children’s makes a difference in the lives of children, parents and grandparents. We can all be part of that difference.”