By Richard Spurling
In 2013, Matt Schleichkorn called me because he had just learned about ACEing Autism at a UCLA tennis event. He was intrigued and interested in getting his fourteen year old daughter, Abby, involved. Abby and Matt volunteered with some of our Los Angeles programs for years.
They joined our team at the ACEing Autism clinic at the 2015 U.S. Open and were always so happy to help! Abby also interned in our office in West Hollywood and Matt expressed interest in a role on our growing Board of Directors. Matt joined the ACEing Autism Board in 2017 and contributed valuable ideas, expertise, and always a positive attitude. His background in the financial industry was a tremendous asset when ACEing Autism was making important financial decisions for the mission.
The last time I spoke to Matt was a very short phone call where he let me know that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He said that he would be having three rounds of chemotherapy and that he would give it his best fight. I’m sure he did give it everything he had with positivity and grace. I’m sure that there are many others who will miss his cheerful way and his laugh because it was so infectious. ACEing Autism thanks and honors Matt for his leadership, friendship, and being a wonderful, positive person in this world. At this time, we want to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
