Two years ago, my daughter Luna Martinez was diagnosed with autism. If you or if you know of someone that has been through it or is going through the process the amount of emotions that is running through someone?s mind it?s a lot. For me, I didn?t know where or when or how to even start but I took the time to take it all in, process it all. I don?t know how long it took me to finally get a peace of mind of what was going on, because I was in mourning for what I thought the future of my daughter was going to be (Those who get it, get it those who don?t, won?t). 

Day by day I took the necessary steps to educate myself and help understand my child?s needs. Realizing that this is her world and I?m just living in it. Everyday it?s a journey, it?s has been a roller coaster of up and down with every day challenges. I have shed  tears, I?ve had sleepless nights, I have had world winds of emotions. A lot of worries for my beautiful daughter?s future. It?s a learning process, we don?t give up and never will. We keep going for her. This fundraiser means so much to me so I was excited to hop on board. I know how hard it can be , I know the struggles. I live every single day in the world of an autistic child, but I wouldn?t change it for the world, even on my hardest days my daughter has taught me so much. Has given me so much strength. Thought me patience and because of her I?m a much better person. I am her voice and will continue to be. It?s why this fundraiser means a lot. This is to help a community. 

They may have autism but autism doesn?t have them or defines them. We are asking for your help to build a brighter and more inclusive future for those with autism. Our family knows firsthand that Autism doesn?t come with an instruction guide. With your help, we can provide vital support for others on this journey. Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much. Join our community and make a lasting difference in the lives of those with autism. why fit in when we were born to stand out? Donate now and help us reach our goal.

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!