Dear Friends,

 

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  On Sunday August 14, I'll be running in the New Balance Falmouth Road Race to help raise money for the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.  This is an amazing cause that our family has a special connection to.  Let me explain how.

 

9 years ago, Sue and I were blessed with twin boys, Sam and Gus.  Both boys were developing typically until the age of 14 months when Gus became withdrawn and was unable to make eye contact with those around him, his speech stopped developing, he would often engage in atypical behaviors, and he eventually stopped playing with his brother.  At the age of 20 months, Gus was diagnosed with autism.

 

Fast forward to today.  Although Gus carries the same diagnosis and is challenged by this disability every day, he is making tremendous progress.  Gus is about to enter the 4th grade and has worked hard to become a great student in a regular education classroom. He took Loon Mountain by storm this past winter, skiing almost every weekend, including entering his first race.  Harry Potter, Tae Kwon Do, rock climbing at the Y, and most recently sailing, have become Gus's other passions.  Most importantly he has a best friend in his brother Sam.  Tomorrow will present a new set of challenges, but we are confident Gus is on the path to a bright and productive future.

 

Most of the credit for Gus's achievements made to date goes to Gus.  However his progress continues to be made possible through the work of a dedicated team of highly skilled teachers and therapists, access to educational resources, and reassurance from caring and compassionate family members and friends.  We are very lucky to have this circle of support around us.

Today, it is estimated that 1 in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.  Many of the families that are affected by this epidemic are not as fortunate as us.  That's where the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation steps in.  The Foundation provides financial assistance to disadvantaged families to get them the support they need to care for their children.  The Foundation also funds educational and research initiatives to address the causes and treatment of childhood autism.  Learn more about the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

Please consider making a donation of any amount. You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation. Thank you for your generous support.  Warmest regards,

-chris