I am raising money in 2011 for an amazing organization called HEELING AUTISM that give FREE trained service dogs to children with Autism.

 

Heeling Autism is a division of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.  Heeling Autism dogs are trained to prevent a child with autism from bolting, and become an important element in keeping the child safe. Families involved in the program have also reported other, life-changing benefits from having a Heeling Autism dog in their homes.

 

 

 

A Heeling Autism dog in a family with an autistic child can:

• increase social acknowledgment of the child by his or her peers;
• provide companionship;
• reduce parental stress; and
• increase the child’s level of independence, confidence, and social acceptance.

We learned all this first hand back in May 2010 when Paula joined our family.  Paula is a 4 year old black lab who is my autistic son's companion.  For a perfect example of how Paula helps go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXFGBtkMHjM for a quick video of Jake & Paula on the beach.

 

Anyway in 2011 all my marathon/running autism fundraising will be going towards Heeling Autism because I have first hand experience at how this program helps.  When we got Paula we had to wait a 15 months between our first interview and bringing Paula home.  Due to a lack of funding and therefore trainers the waitlist is now 2+ years.  

 

The thought of a family of an autistic child waiting over 2 years to get this life changing gift is killing me so please donate so they can get more trainers / manpower and help more families in need.

 

Thanks!!