Monday, September 8, 2008

Autism Walk - My big-hearted birthday boy

My Sidney is SUCH an amazing boy. For his birthday this year he asked to participate in the Walk For Autism in Nashville with his Aunt Heather and cousin Alex J. Alex J. was diagnosed Autistic around age 2. Sidney's has 3 other cousins either diagnosed with autism or with autistic characteristics or who are being evaluated for autism.

Sidney's big heart allows him to love without judgment. He, and his brothers, immediately fell in love with Alex J. and they love spending time with him. They understand that his mind works differently than theirs, but they honestly don't seem to see him as BEING different than them.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could ALL see each other that way?!

So, honoring his wishes, we are inviting each of you to celebrate his 10th birthday with us by helping him reach his goal of raising $400 for autism research -- that's $100 in honor of each of his cousins: Alex J., Kimmy, Gavin, and Aidan.

He is asking that, rather than buying gifts for him, you make a donation in his name to the Walk for Autism 2008 in Nashville. He, with his family and any of you who wish to join us, will be walking at the Nashville Speedway on September 13th. Registration begins at 8:30 and the walk begins at 10 a.m. We'll be walking 3 1.33 mile laps at the speedway. The website will give directions and answer any other questions you can think of!!!

If you want to join us, we'll have birthday hats and stickers for each of you. If you can't join us but would still like to help Sidney reach his goal you can cut and paste this link ( http://www.walknowforautism.org/tenn/personal/heartswideopen ) into your browser and it will take you directly to his personal page where you can make secure electronic donations. If you want to donate but aren't comfortable doing it electronically, just give me a call and we'll work out other arrangements! (615-428-4790)