Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  On October 4, I'll be running in the Eastern Bank Flutie 5K 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.

Seven 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  Both boys were developing typically until the age of 14 months when Gus became withdrawn and was unable to make eye contact with those around him, his speech stopped developing, and he would engage in atypical behaviors. He 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 his disability every day, he is making tremendous progress.  Gus is about to enter the second grade and has worked hard to become a great student. He played his first season of Little League baseball last spring, and 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 doctors 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.

1 in 150 children born today are diagnosed on the autism spectrum, and 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 opportunities on 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