43-year-old Cathy Kanefsky of Middletown had a very personal reason for getting involved with the March of Dimes nearly 15 years ago -- her twin sons were born four months early.

Kanefsky: "Living with Sam and Adam and watching their challenges that were certainly a direct result of their premature birth was what drove me and kept me with the March of Dimes."

Kanefsky is leaving her position with the March of Dimes to become the director of field training and development with the 4-year-old nonprofit group Autism Speaks.

Kanefsky: "When they turned five, they were diagnosed with autism, and it's just become increasingly more a part of our life as they get older and head towards adulthood."

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects 1 in 150 people. Autism Speaks is a national organization that supports families of children with autism as it searches for a cure.

Kanefsky says she has enjoyed her work with so many people at the March of Dimes.

Kanefsky: "It comes from my heart and I hope that I cross paths with many of them as I move into the world of autism."