[mrj0308]

Hi,
Most of you probably already know that this is Autism Awareness month, there has been quite a bit of press about it, but I just wanted to let every one know that Toys R Us is a very big supporter of Autism Speaks, which is a wonderful organization. Autism Speaks has really brought attention to this spreading epidemic that now effects 1 out of 150 children. Toys R Us has partnered with Autism Speaks to do the WALK NOW FOR AUTISM walks all through out the US. I want to encourage any one who can to participate in the walk or to sponsor a team or walker. I leave in Tarboro NC, the closet walk to me is in Concord NC (about a 4 hour drive one way) on October 4th. I am walking to support Autism Speaks and the great work and research they are doing to try to figure out the causes of Autism and the best way to help the children and families who are affected by it. I am also walking for a much more personal reason, my son Cole. He is 4 and was diagnosed with Autism about 18 months ago. So I am a Mommy on a MISSION! I am very proud to be his mommy, and I am going to support him by walking for a cure, so hopefully one day, Autism won't effect his life or the lives of others. Please take a look at my page to read about the walk, and the Autism Speaks organization. I know times are tight, but if possible please make a small
sponsorship donation ,to my page , another walker or team. It is for a great cause and every penny helps!
Thanks
Melissa

Support a Walker - Walk Now for Autism Carolinas

[lhart24]

Keep posting and post that link...

Also you may want to auction coupons/stock pile for the good cause.. take the winnings and put towards your walk.... just a thought


Thanks for walking for such a good cause!!

[BStroh]

What a great cause, there is so much about autism that is unknown. I would love for research to know more about the causes of autism and why it has increased so much over the past couple years.

[mrj0308]

Well April is almost over, but just because it will no longer be Autism Awareness Month, lets not forget those effected by this mysterious disorder ~ please keep them all in your prayers and if you haven't had a chance please stop by Support a Walker - Walk Now for Autism Carolinas and check out all the info on the walk. And if possible support me or another walker. All donations no matter how great or small will be greatly appreciated. Every penny helps! Thanks have a great Weekend!

[twilson79]

Autism is a life-changing disorder--not bad, just life-changing. My 7year old has been diagnosed with autism since she was 4. I would not trade a second of my time with her--she has taught me so many things--patience and unconditional love. She is smart and witty, just like everyone else. She is just a little different socially. Everyone needs to be educated-- I'm sick of other children being mean to her just because she is different.

[mrj0308]

Originally Posted by twilson79

Autism is a life-changing disorder--not bad, just life-changing. My 7year old has been diagnosed with autism since she was 4. I would not trade a second of my time with her--she has taught me so many things--patience and unconditional love. She is smart and witty, just like everyone else. She is just a little different socially. Everyone needs to be educated-- I'm sick of other children being mean to her just because she is different.

My son, Cole was diagnosed when he was 3, I got really depressed, but not because of the effect it was going to have on me, but for him. At this age, the kids know that he is different, but it just causes them to be protective of him and so loving, all the kids in his Pre-K class are so sweet to him, but i know as he gets older that will change and i hate to think of him getting picked on and not understanding why, it breaks my heart to think of people being mean to him. He is such an amazing boy(with one of the greatest smiles EVER, it lights up the world!) and i love him so much, i just want him to be happy and healthy. I thank GOD everyday for allowing me to be his and Samantha's mom. I am grateful for every second of every day with my children. I hate it when people look at me with pity or comment on how sorry they are that he "is that way" I do not feel sorry for myself, God has given me 2 very special kids, one of them just has special needs.

[twilson79]

I agree that other parents think this is like a life sentence for us just because our children have autism. It's only a life sentence of unconditional love! I could not image life without Nicole. She teaches me things I did not know. She loves to love people--she is not "regular autistic" she is Pervasive Developmental Disorder-- which is the catch-all. They don't know what is wrong with her but she has numerous autistic tendencies. She is my social butterfly--she doesn't meet a stranger. She sees the good in all people. How can others feel sorry for me when I have such a compationate little girl who hates no one and loves all!! She does not judge people based on how they look or act. I feel sorry for people who son't get this type of outlook on life!!

[katjim00]

I saw the Walk for Autism ad last week and am planning on doing it.... but for some odd reason, Houston is still TBD All the other areas around are in October so I'm guessing it will be then too... I'll keep checking and post on here for sure when I find out.

Thank you mrj0308 for posting