"Tony" Stuart Autistic Man Bike&Art fund
Robert “Tony” Stuart a 42 year old autistic man who has been a part of our community for many years. He was born and raised in the Yuba-Sutter area by his mother until she fell ill and is now in the care of his sister, Marissa. He graduated Marysville High School in the early 1990’s and went on to attend Yuba College. He currently works for Pride Industries, a work program for disabilities 5 days a week.
Tony is well known and recognized by many in the Marysville/Linda area. He is a very good artist and loves to draw. He loves music and riding his bike all over town. Many people in our community are very fond of Tony and have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He is such a joy, so sweet, kind, and wouldn’t harm a soul, yet he has endured ridicule for 20+ years, been teased with specific phrases intentionally used to upset him, and has had his bike stolen more times than his family can count.
Most recently Thursday May 29, 2014 his bike was stolen AGAIN! Thankfully someone came forward and was kind enough to donate a bike, but how much of this can one person endure? Is he being targeted or profiled because he can easily be taken advantage of? This is wrong on so many levels! Tony is a productive citizen who has simple things in life he enjoys. There are plenty of mean, nasty, heartless people in this world we live in. Let's change this for our dear Tony! I am reaching out and asking that we as a community bring awareness and ban together to look out for him and his bike. Let's all come together as a community and not allow another person to rob him of his independence and what he loves to do the most. His family worries about him every day and it breaks his sister’s heart to see him get frustrated because people don’t understand him.
I have fond memories of driving by and seeing Tony on the corner by Ellis Lake with his bike next to him on the corner in a flannel shirt no matter the weather. He would watch the cars go by. My children and I would honk the horn as we drove by. They would wave along with me and we all would holler out the window, “Hey Tony.” We always got a smile out of him. We looked forward to seeing him regularly at the Erle Yorton Little League Field and 7-11 in East Marysville. I still look forward to the times I am privileged to run into him at the Linda Walmart and my adult sons have grown a level of respect for him. He touches me in a way that brings such joy to my heart. There are lots of great stories many can share about Tony.
This donation is towards any future purchases for Tony’s needs, such as keeping him on a bike, riding and doing what he loves most, as well as his passion for drawing. He locks his bike up and the thieves cut the lock off, there have been times where he has left the bike unlocked and within sight. He does ride the transit bus, but loves riding his bike most.
Tony does not deserve this type of treatment! He should be able to go out, ride his bike and enjoy his day like everyone else. He deserves to be treated with respect and not be ridiculed, harassed or robbed of his primary source of independence and transportation.
Yuba-Sutter lets ban together for Tony! Let’s keep our eyes out for him, his bike, and donate to a great cause for a wonderful man who has touched many hearts in our community.
Thank you in advance for your support toward a great cause!
We love you Tony!
