YEAH, WHAT AN AWESOME EVENT!!! The J Walkers had an excellent time and are looking forward to next year's walk!!!
MANY, MANY THANKS to all of our supporters for helping us surpass our goal and to those of you who were with us in spirit!!
All our love, Val and Jordon!
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**APRIL IS NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH**
AUTISM -- Ask questions - Understand - Tell a Friend - Include - Show your support - Make a difference.
As most of you know, autism is a disability that is close to my heart, as Jordon (who is now 9 yrs old) was first diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder @ the age of 4. The challenges of parenting a child on the spectrum are unique and endless - with the most prevalent ones being to ensure that he has the best and most appropriate educational environment and placement, resources and support systems available. Through the commitment and efforts of the Autism Society of Delaware, Jordon is now able to take advantage of resources and opportunities and to pariticipate in events/activities that were unavailable to him, prior to our move to Delaware.
DEFINITION: Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three (3) years of life and is the result of neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. Each individual is affected differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is crucial.
FACTS:
~ autism affects 1 in 150 births ~ according to new CDC study results released on 2/8/07 ~ previously thought to affect 1 in 166 births
~ as many as 1.5 million Americans today have some form of autism
~ it's the fastest growing developmental disability @ a rate of 10-17% annually
~ it costs $90 billion annually to care for persons with autism and that figure is projected to increase to $200-400 billion within ten years.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child.
We can make a difference...together! Jordon and I are committed to making a difference through our participation in the "Walk the High Road for Autism" walk. Please help us raise money for the Autism Society of Delaware and consider making a donation of $25.00 or more to help us reach our goal. Of course, any and all donation amounts are appreciated!
Your donation will assist the Autism Society of Delaware in funding:
~ an expansion of its services to meet the needs of families
~ sponsorship of more family events
~ development of an adult support services program
~ social skills training programs
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.
If you'd prefer to make a donation "offline," checks are accepted payable to the "Autism Society of Delaware" with "Walk the High Road for Autism" written on the memo line. Please contact me for the mailing address.
Remember to share this fundraising page with others -- in doing so, we're one+ person closer to increasing awareness and providing much needed support for the Autism Society of Delaware! Visit their website to learn more @ www.delautism.org. Lastly, if you'd like to walk with us, please let me know - we'd love to have you join our team - The J Walkers!
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR OFFLINE SUPPORTERS!
Val and Jordon