This is our 3rd year organizing the Osseo District Team for the Steps of Hope Walk.  Last year we had 140 people walk to support Autism Awareness and to represent the Osseo District!   We are hoping for even more this year.

Our son, Ben, has Autism and he is our motivation for promoting Autism Awareness and helping children with Autism.  We call him the "Magic Man" because he is always happy and smiling which makes everyone around him feel good.  This is our sixth year as a family for participating in the Steps of Hope Walk. 

Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with Autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined!   Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

The Autism Society of Minnesota will use proceeds from the Steps of Hope to continue efforts in offering information and support to individuals, families and staff in Minnesota through a variety of ways.

Please feel free to join our team and walk with us on February 24th.  If you cannot make the Steps of Hope Walk, we are asking for your financial support.  Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Thank you,

Denise, Phil, Ashley and Benjamin Blanchard