Dear Family and Friends,

We wanted to take a moment to share something deeply personal and important with all of you. Our daughter River means the world to us. She has brought so much light, love, and joy into our lives with her unique spirit, curiosity, and the way she sees the world. She is kind, brilliant, and constantly surprises us with her resilience.

Recently, River was diagnosed with autism. This news has brought us so many emotions we’ve gone through acceptance, concern, & hope but above all, a deeper understanding of who she is and the incredible journey we are on together as a family. Autism is part of who River is, but it doesn’t define her. She’s still the same beautiful little girl we’ve always known and loved.

As we navigate this new chapter, we are learning so much about the ways in which we can support River to thrive in a world that sometimes struggles to understand her. We are also gaining insight into how we can be better advocates, not only for her but for others like her in the autism community.

River has already taught us more than we could have imagined about love, patience, and what it means to see the world from a different perspective. She is our constant reminder of how beautiful diversity is, and we couldn’t be more proud of her.

If you’re able, we would be so grateful for any donations, big or small, to support organizations dedicated to autism awareness, therapy, and resources. Every contribution helps, not only for River but for countless others in the autism community.

Thank you for your love, support, and generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for River and many others.

Love,
Anyssa & Chris 

It’s only through the dedicated support of people like us that Autism Speaks can continue their vital mission work. Each year, the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team makes direct contact with tens of thousands of individuals looking for advice or guidance and more than one million people access their free nationwide autism services and resources. They continue to partner and support research to improve the lives of people with autism by investing in science that will allow more personalized treatments and therapies. You can find out even more about where your fundraising dollars go at autismspeaks.org/our-work.

Please join me by donating to help me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we have the power to enhance the lives of people with autism and make a meaningful difference. Thanks so much for your support!