Almost three years ago we recieved the diagnosis that would change our lives..Autism.  Our sweet perfect boy at the age of 4 was diagnosed with autism. 

We googled, we read, talked to doctors, teachers and specialists and they all said the same thing, "There is no hope, just deal with what you have." I blamed myself, "Was it the shots? Was it when I was too sick with the pregnancy?" and on and on.  Our neurologist told me that he would need lots of care and therapy and when Akshay got older I needed to put him somewhere where he could live.  Hearing that my heart shattered into a million little pieces and I wasn't sure I could put it back together again.

A month later another parent introduced us to Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).  She gave me hand outs to the website and a flyer on the new parent seminar.  Eddie and I went to the first meeting not sure what to expect.  Lisa gave us our new  parent guide and welcomed us with a hug. Eddie and I sat through the meeting feeling very overwhelmed and realizing we had a monumental task in front of us. A task we knew that failure was not an option. At the end of the meeting  I remember Lisa hugging me and telling me,"you're not alone in this anymore." She was right, we weren't.  We now had a group full of parents like us on the same journey.  We could learn from them, share our hopes and fears, lean on and in turn do the same for them.   For the first time I felt my heart piecing itself back together again little by little.

Three years later and we are still on the journey, but we have made progress.  We knew it was a marathon and TACA has been our support along the way. They are more than a support group, TACA is part of our family and we turn to them whatever we need help.  

Akshay is now seven and in first grade.  He recently lost his tooth and is telling everyone about how the tooth fairy left him a dollar. He loves talking to people and is very friendly, lovable, funny and has an infectious laugh.  He started telling little lies here and there and while we don't want them to continue, it shows the remarkable progress he has made that he can fake out some people. A month ago on his own he woke me up with a kiss, held my face in his hands and said "I love you mama." 

TACA simply is Real Help Now for many families dealing with autism.  without TACA I know we would still be as confused and lost.  Please consider donating to help such a worthy group.  Instead of buying your coffee for a week take that $5 , $10, or $20 and please donate to TACA.  You'll be helping us, as well as many families who need their help NOW.

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!