Walk for Autism Now 2010 was a success!!!!!

I am so proud of my team! We almost reached our goal of raising $1000 and to me we more than did our part to raise awareness! This was without any support from local businesses so a HUGE thank you to our familiy and friends that reached out to support us! I went to local businesses, but some had already made donations, others just said no. We did a great job anyway!

It was fun to walk with friends even though the ones with kids couldn't make it the whole 3 miles,but one mile was still a trek for those guys! Tyler made it all three miles although I can't say he was too happy about it. Zach, Cody and Ryan took in the entertainment and then met up with us to walk the last mile. Cody ran almost the entire lap! My friend Jen's little boy was just diagnosed with asperghers and as we talked and walked it made me see even more how far Cody has come. I completely understand where she is at right now and I have thought a lot about how good friends and family were so important in those first few months. We are very fortunate to have caught Cody very early. Asperghers is usually not seen as young and time is really of the essence. I don't claim to be an expert, but recently I have been asked by three different families for help. It is also nice to have someone to talk to that understands. Leaving Germany meant leaving behind the only people that knew the ups and downs and struggles of daily life. Now I am gaining a new circle of friends that I can identify with and we can talk and share our feelings to deal with it better.

The pictures above are from my designated photographer. I almost dind't even get a team photo since Zach took off with Cody to get snacks! The others on the team got photos as well so will send them to me. It was a great day, a great three miles and I can't wait to do it all again next year. I learned one valuable lesson. Spend the money for T-shirts to be made! I did have fun making the shirts, but it was stressful!