For my little girl
Monday, September 24, 2007
By: Demetrios Katsios

Why I walk? Those three little words are the most profound question that has ever been put before me. In it's simplest terms, an easy response comes forth -- I walk for my baby girl, Adriana. She was diagnosed on the spectrum in November, 2006, shortly after her second birthday. Along with my oldest, and only other child, Rebecca, they are the lights of my life.

With Rebecca, I was spoiled. She was the easy child, even though she was the first. She met all her milestones, called me "Daddy" and "her friend" before she turned one. She hugs me constantly, tucks into me more than that, and worries that she isn't my best friend anymore when she does something wrong. Some of the best feelings I have ever gotten are because of Rebecca.

But Adriana is different and not just because she's special. She can label everything. She knows things that I think she has no business knowing. She loves her music, whether it's the Wiggles or Dora or the radio. She loves her puzzles too, banging them out with the best of them. She knows that I am "Daddy", but I wonder sometimes if she actually knows what that means. She knows I (along with her Mom) am her caregiver, that I smother her with a million kisses a day, that I take her out to run and play and fall, that I jump on the trampoline with her, and that I love to tickle her just to hear her belly laugh. But does she get it? Sometimes I'm not so sure. But I want for her to get it, so she knows just how much I love her.

Why do I walk? Because Adriana deserves it.

Cody-Seven years later
Sunday, September 23, 2007
By: Marcy Wenning

We have been the top fundraising team in New England for the past 5 years. We keep going because even though the landscape of Autism has changed, our Cody has not and this is what we can do so HE makes a difference in this fight!

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

Another year has passed and although not much has changed with Cody a lot has changed in our home and in the Autism Community. This letter is arriving to you late due to the loss of Marcy's father on August 24th. This has been a very difficult time. Marcy's Dad was an enormous advocate of the work our family has done to raise awareness and funds for research and would be upset if the mission was not continued. He made Marcy promise to get her letter out!

Cody turned 14, a milestone year for a typical child, however a brutal slap of reality for a family affected by an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Typical children Cody's age are busy getting excited about the opposite sex, their friends are the most important thing in their lives and they are entering high school. This cruel disability has excluded Cody from all of the typical milestones. He still is not toilet trained, cannot feed himself without assistance, and still has no idea of the dangers that lie before him. As Cody ages, so does the fear of what will happen to him and the Tsunami of children with Autism when they enter adulthood. So in addition to fundraising, we will be focusing on advocacy for Adult Services. This population will still need care, support and services.

This makes our commitment, passion, and energy that much stronger. If Cody had the early detection screening that is available today, he would have more tools, more skills. We are angry about that ignorance and will fight as long as necessary to continue working for change! Good news now, there has been progress and change!

Last year we told you about the merger between Autism Speaks and the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). This year cure Autism Now (CAN), an LA based non-profit has also merged making Autism Speaks the single largest autism organization ANYWHERE!

At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism: raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all those who deal with the hardships of this disorder. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis.

For some of you this is the seventh year you have received a letter from us; asking you to help us raise funds for research. To date "Cody's Clan" has raised an amazing $480,000 for autism research. Thanks to all of your support, we have been the top fundraising team in New England for the past five years.

With so many worthwhile charities seeking your donations, we are very grateful for your support of Cody and the 1 in 150 children affected by the autism spectrum disorders.

It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of this puzzle. Together, we are walking toward a future of hope...a future of promise....and a future when autism is not a daily struggle for millions of families but a word in the history books.

If you are able to donate this year, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Marcy S. Wenning

P.O. #1114 Ashburnham, Ma 01430
Your check should be made out to: Autism Speaks with" Cody's Clan" written in the memo section.

You can also donate online using this link: http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=1524&team_id=133140

Over 11,000 people walked last year and even more are expected this year, so the walk has been moved to Suffolk Downs in East Boston and will take place Sunday October 14th. It would be greatly appreciated if your donation were received prior to walk day; however, no donation will be turned away.

Gratefully,
Marcy, Bill, Amy and Drew Wenning

Ali's Belles
Monday, September 17, 2007
By: April Gregan

Ali is a vibrant 4 yr old whose mother died tragically almost one year ago. Since then, Ali and her sister Catie, 2 yrs old with developmental delays, have been in the loving care of their grandparents and surrounded by their mom's friends & family...

Ali's Belles is a group of women who were very close to Ali's mother before she tragically died at the age of 31 in October 2006. Since then, we have stepped up to the plate, becoming Ali (and Catie's) number one fans. Although we will never replace the bond that they had with their mom, we carry on her spirit, advocating for their needs, singing & dancing with them, sharing pictures & stories with them, and cheering loud for their growth & progress. We will walk, not only in the fight against autism, but in loving memory of Marci, who was also a phenominal teacher. The team members of Ali's Belles each have their own history with children with ASD (no matter 15 years or 1), but together we unite in Autism Speaks!

FOR THE LOVE OF GRYFFIN
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
By: Pamela Drewery

We walk for the unconditional love we have for our son Gryffin.

We walk for hope, for his endless possibilities,for his every gain forward,and even his steps backward.His Father,my husband Elgin has been training with our son for the walk on September 15th in Philadelphia.He started walking with him on the Perkiomen trail 10 miles at a time so that Gryffin could get used to going the distance.No matter how tired, his Father walks on.So we also walk for the families of these special children.We love you Gryffin so much.On you my love we will never give up!!!

For My Two Little Miracles
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
By: Celia Schirtzer

I will walk for the two beautiful boys I brought into this world, and for others like them.

Why Will I Walk? I will walk for my twin boys, 3 1/2 year old Nicholas and Zachary. They came into this world as little miracles at birth, 3 and 5 lbs. of joy from when we laid eyes on them. Things began to look strange at age one, when no words seem to be forming. We started Early Intervention shortly after, and they have come a long way since then. Autism was not foreign to me, I had studied it in college, and seen children with it. I never thought it would affect me, like so many parents, but it did. I still spend many nights and days crying for what might have been, but I now know this will not help them, so I fight. I fight so that my boys will lead good, happy lives. I fight so that every parent of an autistic child will know that we must never give up on these precious children. I will walk so that the people who may stare and speak harsh words when our chidren cry will understand what heroes really are. Heroes are these little human beings that struggle every day to do the simple things. I will walk so that Autism will become a thing of the past, so that more research can be done to help my little angels, and the little angles yet to enter this world that may be touched by autism. I will walk because this villan, Autism, does not know it's most fierce warrior is a mother. I will walk because this is a war I will wage until I close my eyes, and because those two little boys are the air that I breath.

For Nate
Saturday, August 25, 2007
By: Sara Maurer

I will walk to help support Autism research and my grandson, Nate, who has Asbergers Syndrom (high functioning Autism) Wouldn't it be nice to help ALL people with ALL Levels of Autism to be better able to handle their special chanlleges throughout not only their childhoods, but adult life as well. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Becoming a part of Zion's Tribe
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
By: Kari Crafton

I am excited about taking part in The Walk Now for Autism Event, and in supporting the Holcomb Family in their efforts to raise awareness and support for Autism research and for their Son, Zion.

I am more than optimistic as I continue to to hear about all that God has done in Zion's life since I first learned that he was diagnosed with Autism. Each new milestone paints a picture of the miracle that IS Zion's life. Of course, he is truly blessed with two wonderful parents who love him so much and who want only the best for him. Because of their faith in God, their love and their efforts to see to it that Zion gets all of the support, care and therapy that he needs---with every challenge there seems to come an even better report! I am so happy to be a part of Zion's Tribe this year and to to be able to show my love and support for the Holcomb's. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing about all of the wonderful things that are yet to happen in Zion's future and in the lives that he touches.

First Time Walkers!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
By: Stacy Periman

Representing the families of JHA affected by Autism Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. Today, a shocking 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism. Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of the many less prevalent childhood diseases.

They are so special to everyone who comes to know them and love them. We can't imagine our lives without them. But I only hope we can find the answer to this soon so that others don't have to struggle the way we have.

Erik had a rough start he suffered a brain bleed at birth and things got worse. He is such a fighter though and through prayers and wonderful Dr.'s and Nurses at CHOA Erik is here with us. Erik was developing slowly but developing but between the age of 3 and 4 everything stopped. He no longer said the words he had once said, he lost is balance when he tried to walk and he was very frustrated all the time and was developing some sever behavior problems. When Erik was 6 he was diagnosed PDD-NOS part of the Autism Spectrum disorders. Erik attends the Marcus Institute in Atlanta they have made a huge difference in his life. With the intense therapy they offer and teaching him sign language along and working with the noises he makes to turn them into productive sounds and hopefully words, I have my loving happy child back. This past year he went from being developmentally 18 - 24 month to being 24 - 36 months.

I walk for Austims Speaks and the amazing things they do everyday to help children like Erik. I walk for the Marcus Institute so they can continue to work miracles in the lives of these amazing children. Mostly I walk for Erik and the other children with Autism; and the hope that someday we will be able to unlock the door that traps these amazing children.

So why do I walk? To celebrate my child's unique life. To show support for other families who struggle harder than I do. To spend a day with my two boys doing something worth all of our time...
My oldest son is beyond normal, he's advanced in many areas - and at 6 years old, he is often mortified by his little brother's behavior. But despite that, he knows that there is more in that little redhead than meets the eye. His smile lights up a room, his giggles are infectious. Gray is the most amazing little man we've ever known, and we rejoice in having each day with him.

My son Christian was diagnosed with Autism when would complete 2 years old and is now with 5 years old. Chris is all of this good life for me and my family he is my angel and the love of my life and the reason for my existence.
With love I will share this journey by the discovery and cure of Austism.
Miriam

Well our family has been going through the "process" for about 7 months and we finally received a diagnosis. We are proud of our family which includes: Mom/Dad/Gracie, Makenna, and Brianna. We are all walking to show that we are here to support our daughter and others affected by Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

I walk because of my brother, Zachary and his best friend Joshie. The reason I say they are normal is because we are both in Middle School. People get picked on everyday.
Sometimes Zach or Joshie.They are
normal like all of the others who walk for there sons,
daughters,and friends. I just hope one day something good
will happen. I also won
County and School 1st place
for a story about how a differnce can be made by us.
We will find a cause.