Dear Friends,

As you may know, autism has touched our family ever so slightly but has made us aware of a whole world we never knew.  At age 2, Devin was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high functioning developmental disorder on the autism spectrum.  We were fortunate enough to get an early diagnosis and as a result, early intervention.   This was key.  But Asperger’s, unlike other levels on the spectrum, can all but disappear.   Children can be “undiagnosed” at later ages if they receive the necessary treatments and therapies they need.   Today you would not know Devin was ever diagnosed.  Unfortunately this is not the case for children functioning on the lower levels of the spectrum.   It doesn’t “go away”.  And while these children are so special and dear to our hearts, they face numerous challenges and adventures every day for the rest of their lives.   

This year we will be joining our friends, the Potters, in their tireless efforts to raise money and awareness for autism research.  The Potters are our second family here in Lynchburg and we love them dearly. They are blessed with a beautiful son, Logan, who is also on the spectrum.  Several years ago the Potters (Laura, Tyler and their oldest son Carson –now 12 years old), started participating in triathlons with the group TRI FOR AUTISM.  The funds they raise go to the Organization of Autism Research, which funds various research projects in an attempt to find a cause and develop effective treatments for those affected by autism.  This year my Tyler and I are going to join them.  On April 22nd, we will participate in her first sprint triathlon where she will swim 300 meters, bike 25k and run 5k.  It will be a huge challenge but she has trained hard and she is up for it!  Then in September I will be heading to Augusta, GA to do the ESI Half Ironman and finish up in November by running the New York Marathon.  All of this we will do to help raise money for autism research.   This year instead of fighting the time clock, we will turn our efforts towards a much more important fight, the fight against autism.   

If you decide to join us in our fight, your donation will directly support research and programs that help parents, families and educators in the autism community on a daily basis.  Your support will help change the lives of countless others.  Thank you!