Our family is walking this year for our son, Hunter, who was diagnosed with severe expressive disorder in October 2024 and then Autism- Level 3 in May 2025. He has been such a fun addition to our world for the last 4.5 years. I won’t pretend to make it sound like over the last year, navigating this world has not been challenging, frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Why? Hunter is such a loving and curious and fun kid. The best part is realizing that Hunter doesn’t know his life is any different than anyone else. He’s happy and he loves to have fun. He has taught all of us so much! 

This is an organization that does so much for individuals dealing with autism. 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!