Dear Friends,

As many of you know, raising Justin over the past 19 years has been a journey filled with love, growth, and many challenges. I had never heard of autism until his diagnosis at 3 years old. It felt like we had been thrust into the deep end on day 1 of a beginner’s swimming class. There was so much to process, research, schedule, and accept all at once. Having a child with autism has taught me patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the little things that most people might overlook. Every step forward, every new milestone, and every calm moment is a victory that I cherish more than words can express.

What has made the challenging moments easier is family and friends and the amazing organisations that have been there for Justin- his swimming lessons, overnight camps, daily respite care, Saturday morning trampoline time carved out for children with special needs, and so much more. This is why raising awareness about autism is so important to me. It’s not just about my son—it’s about creating a world where individuals on the spectrum are seen, heard, and supported and a world where the special people caring for them feel supported and refreshed to keep on keeping on.

This year, I’m walking and raising funds for autism awareness, and I’d be so grateful for your support. Every dollar raised will go towards programs that provide resources and support for families, as well as education for the public, helping to create a more inclusive society for people with autism. You can find out more about how your donation will be used at autismspeaks.org.

Thank you for walking this journey with me, for your kindness, and for your continued support.

With gratitude,

Nicola