Joey's Team- EJ Freni, Mike Smith, Mike Freni
Hello Friends and Family,
After last year's successful fundraising effort, we are back to continue fighting with Joey to help other children affected by Autism.
Joey turned three this December and has been successfully transitioned into the special needs program at the Cove School in Beverly. Joey remains non-verbal, but he has started to make tremendous strides with all the therapy that he receives. He is working hard and doing the best with the skills he has mastered. Joey is fortunate to remain a part of the LADDER's program through Mass General, as they have been instrumental in getting Joey the helps he needs.
This year my brother EJ and Melissa’s brother Mike have decided to run and raise money for our team- we hope our joint efforts can make this year’s fundraising as far reaching as it was last year.
Your contribution to LADDERS will allow the program to continue its day-to-day practices and provide ongoing research and development efforts. Because of today’s high costs of practicing medicine, they lose over $100 for every child they see. A comprehensive evaluation for one child without health insurance costs LADDERS over $1,000. Without our help, the program would struggle to survive.
Please help us raise money for autism and all of Joey’s friends at LADDERS. With the help of friends and family, we were able to raise over $20,000 last year.
Our family is very proud to be surrounded by such supportive friends, family, and the extended network of friends Joey has developed.
Thank you for your continued support!
-Joey, Nick, Troy, Melissa and Mike Freni
Mike Smith, EJ Freni
Facts About Autism
- Autism is a developmental disability, which usually begins before 3 years of age and is a life-long disability.
- The incidence of autism is approximately 1 out of every 150 births.
- People with autism have a normal life span.
- Autism is 4-5 times more prevalent in males than in females.
- Presently, there is no cure for autism. However, there are various treatment options to ameliorate the symptoms.
- Research indicates that people with autism learn best through a structured environment.
- Autism occurs in all countries and within all socioeconomic classes.
- Research indicates that the earlier the intervention, the better for people with autism.