Thank you for visiting our fundraising page!

We will be walking as a family, for our 3rd year, in the Annual "Steps of Hope" walk on March 1st.  This walk benefits individuals, their families, and agencies working with those with Autism.

As many of you know, Samuel was diagnosed educationally and medically with Autism at 3 years old.  Sam will be 7 by the time we participate in the walk.  The four years have gone by fast, and with lots of hard work from Sam at his speech and occupational therapies and school.  Zach is also on the Autism Spectrum, with a disorder called Asperger's Syndrome.  He was diagnosed much later, which is very typical for Asperger's.  While both boys have very unique and different challenges than one another, together they inspire us.
 
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that is lifelong and currently has no known cure.  Today, I in 150 individuals are diagnosed with Autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. 

The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) sponsors this event.  AuSM will use proceeds from the Steps of Hope to continue efforts in offering information and support to individuals, families and staff in a wide variety of ways.  AuSM offers educational programs, including the Discovery Series, for parents of children recently diagnosed with Autism, and weekly workshops and support groups.  Through the Steps of Hope Support Grant program, Minnesota families, schools and service providers can request financial help to purchase goods and services they need as they work with individuals with Autism.  Our school district, whom Samuel receives special education services from, has received this grant in the past.  AuSM also donates a portion of the proceeds to fund national research efforts.

We thank you for considering.  If you wish to sponsor us by cash or check, please make checks out to AuSM and mail them to us by February 20th to ensure arrival before the walk.  We will send those that mail in a tax deductible receipt. 

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

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


Additional Autism related links:
Two Twists of Faith- Our blog for Zach and Sam
Sam I Am  - Our blog for Sam
Autism Society of Minnesota
Autism Society of America
Autism Resource Network
First Signs
Maternal and Child Health Library

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!