By Louella Losinio and Riyo Anne Dela Cruz Reyes

When Anthony Hana Cruz’s son was diagnosed with autism, it changed the way he saw the world. Now, that love is carrying an entire island on a 16-hour journey with it.

On Saturday, October 10, Guam will see something it has never seen before: individuals and families walking side by side from the island’s northernmost tip to its southern shores in support of autism awareness. The inaugural “Walk Different” event, co-organized by Cruz and Off The Spectrum, will take participants from Andersen Air Force Base to Merizo Pier and Cocos Island, beginning at 12:00 AM and ending at 4:00 PM. 

It is a long road, meant to build understanding and unity with every mile. And Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace and Innovation Hub is one of the partners in the effort. In the first collaboration between G3 Makerspace and Off The Spectrum, the G3 team designed and produced custom phone stands to give to participants who complete the trek.

For Cruz, the walk is deeply personal. A competitive Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete, he took on this challenge as a father. His son, now four, was diagnosed with autism shortly before turning three, an experience that reshaped Cruz’s outlook and inspired him to help build a more supportive community.

“Becoming a parent of a child with autism really inspired me to make Guam a better place for people on the spectrum, kids and adults included,” Cruz said. “Naturally, I’m a very impatient person. I think my son has really helped me to evolve as a person. I’ve become a lot more, ever since I’ve become a parent to my boy. I’ve become a lot more understanding, a lot more empathetic, a lot more patient.”

Cruz’s resolve grew stronger after hearing that autistic children were being bullied at school. He believes kindness starts at home and encourages parents to talk with their kids about welcoming and supporting classmates who experience the world differently.  “That really did inspire me to make this happen, to promote more awareness and empathy for those on the spectrum,” he said. 

There are several ways to participate in the event. To register, visit @OffTheSpectrumGuam. Options include $25 to walk the full distance, $25 to walk a portion of the route, and $100 to walk as a relay with at least one friend. Some of the proceeds from the walk will benefit Autism Community Together (ACT).

According to Cruz, more than 90 people have signed up, and over 50 plan to walk the entire distance across the island. Others will join relays or take on shorter stretches, so everyone can take part in a way that works for them. “Whether you’re walking 10 minutes or 10 miles, anything is truly appreciated. Every step matter,” Cruz said.

Those who can’t walk are invited to show their support by cheering on participants at any of the 13 checkpoints along the route. The event will also be livestreamed for those who would like to show their support online. 

G3 Makerspace partnership

G3 Makerspace Coordinator Emily Wendte said the partnership grew out of Cruz’s regular visits to the makerspace. During one visit, he told the team about the walk, and they began thinking about how they could contribute. “From there, we decided that we would like to sponsor this, and the best way that a makerspace can sponsor something is to make something for it,” Wendte said.

For Wendte, finishing the walk represents more than reaching the other end of the island. “That is a commitment to autism awareness,” she said. “Having a token or a piece of memorabilia that acknowledges your commitment on your desk every day is what we decided that we could help with.”

The stand, 3D-printed in polylactic acid (PLA), was designed by G3 Makerspace Additive Manufacturing Associate Shawn Garcia, who incorporated Off The Spectrum’s logo and teal-and-white branding. Garcia said the team chose a phone stand because of its connection to the event’s livestream. 

“People use their phones to watch the live stream, share the message and stay connected,” Garcia said. The makerspace plans to produce about 50 stands, which Garcia said participants can keep on their desks long after the walk.

The partnership also reflects G3’s broader mission. Wendte said the makerspace supports events that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to equality and good health and well-being. “I think if any event starts to fit into or align with the SDGs, we want to try to help because that’s our mission: to bring equality and sustainability in all walks of life,” Wendte said.

Wendte added that the partnership can raise awareness of autism and encourage people to learn about those whose experiences differ from their own. “Just because someone is different doesn’t mean that they don’t belong in the community,” Wendte said.

She hopes G3’s involvement will continue, with the makerspace potentially creating something one-of-a-kind to commemorate each Walk Different event.