The nation’s largest autism advocacy group says that one of its co-founders has cancer and will step aside for the time being.

Autism Speaks said Monday that Suzanne Wright has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Suzanne will take a leave of absence from her work with Autism Speaks to manage her medical care,” reads a statement from the nonprofit’s president, Liz Feld, and Brian Kelly, chairman of the group’s board.

Suzanne and Bob Wright pictured at an Autism Speaks event in Los Angeles in October. (Autism Speaks/Mathew Imaging)

Wright co-founded Autism Speaks with her husband, Bob Wright, in 2005 after their grandson was diagnosed with the developmental disorder. She is a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors and often represents Autism Speaks at events and in the media.

Aurelia Grayson, senior director of media strategy for Autism Speaks, said she could not provide any additional information regarding Suzanne Wright’s plans or whether her illness will impact Bob Wright’s involvement with the group.

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