Can you imagine - it's 2025, you're at a family-friendly hotel, and a lifeguard complains that your child is splashing because they're stimming with excitement, flapping their hands? After eight years of raising an autistic child, this was the very first time anyone in public pointed out that my son was "different." In that moment, I wanted to crawl into a hole and cry. What broke me even more was thinking about how, as he grows older, he'll begin to notice the stares and comments himself-and how deeply that might affect him.
I will always advocate for him and use every opportunity to help others understand neurodiversity. That's why Autism Speaks is so important to me, and why this fundraiser will always be one I'm deeply passionate about.
Connor was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months old. From the moment we received that diagnosis, I threw myself into learning everything I could-getting him services, connecting with professionals, and educating myself on how to help him thrive and reach his full potential. During that time, I discovered Autism Speaks, and I knew immediately it was an organization we needed to be a part of.
In 2019, our family joined our very first Autism Speaks Walk, and I couldn't have been prouder of the support from our family and friends who helped us raise an incredible amount for a cause so close to our hearts. We've continued to walk and fundraise every year since, because this mission truly matters to us.
Autism Speaks works to expand access to services, promote inclusion, provide vital resources, and strengthen support for the autism community nationwide. As a mom, I believe deeply in the research and advocacy they lead-it not only improves the quality of services Connor receives but also helps build awareness and understanding of autism across communities.
But they can't do it alone. Each year, Autism Speaks connects tens of thousands of families with guidance and support through their Autism Response Team, while more than a million people use their free nationwide services and resources. They also continue to invest in groundbreaking research to advance therapies and create more personalized treatments for individuals on the spectrum. You can learn more about the impact of fundraising at autismspeaks.org/our-work.
This is where you come in-please join me in supporting this cause by helping me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people with autism and their families. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
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