Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

As you all know, I have 2 sons with Autism.  

Nolan is verbal, but is only able to express his needs and wants, he is unable to have an on-going conversation.  There are limited activities that draws him in that doesn't require complete 1:1 facilitation or assistance - but the iPad has opened so many doors for him - for learning, for leisure activities, for communicating.

Ethan is non-verbal, requires 24/7 supervision, and many experts have told me he's so globally delayed, that he can't understand... well, he has an iPad, and he is able to manipulate a number of programs that helps him learn, provides some leisure activities, and he continues to show me and everyone who knows him, that he understands a LOT! Ethan is now using pictures to tell me what he wants to eat, what he wants to do - and the repertoire of pictures he is able to use is growing by leaps and bounds!  ETHAN has now found a way to communicate by using pictures, and to have fun at his initiation with his iPad.  (his favorite thing in the world!). 

I know that Ethan has been waiting for ME to understand what he has been trying to tell me for years!  He now has some ways to let me know, but we both have a long road ahead for us to be able to communicate.

TAN is all about helping families like mine - they are helping children like Nolan and Ethan - they help all of us to communicate with whatever means is possible.  They help families to get and use assistive technology for communication.  This allows families like mine to live better quality lives, to have ALL family members able to communicate and indicate their needs;  for those of you without these challenges, this is something that is taken for granted.  For my son Ethan, to be able to tell me he's hungry, or thirsty... or to show me exactly what he wants - take a walk, or be given a banana - this is earth shattering.  Ethan is starting to tell me what he wants - and I'm not having to just guess all the time.  

Can you imagine if you were desperately trying to give a message to someone, even if it was as simple as, "I'm thirsty, can I have water?" - if you couldn't communicate that - for 11 years... but NOW you can, because you have the tools, you have the technology - which is now your voice... ?

Well, that is why, even with my ridiculous schedule and NO TIME FOR ANYTHING - I'm committing to running the Falmouth 7 mi Road Race on August 12 in support of TAN - Technology for Autism.  

I'm asking for your support - any donation, no matter the size is GI_NORMOUS for this endeavor... for TAN and for me.  

Thank you.

BTW - I was fortunate to win Ethan's iPad through a raffle done by TAN - Technology for Autism Now.

 

Also:
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

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