My first experience working with Austistic kids was when I worked at a summer camp for community service hours. The camp introduced me to the spectrum of kids- those who could and couldn't speak, one who knew all the McDonald's in Montgomery County (and directions to get there), and one who's repetitive behavior was to make his spit go as close to the floor as he could before slurping it back up. I knew going into it they would be different, and as a 14 year old, you don't really begin to understand what these children and their families were going through.
It wasn't until college that I started to understand the science and facts behind Autism. I learned there was no way to diagnose Autism in the womb (the earliest is now 14 months old). I learned Autistic kids when put in a room, prefer to look at inanimate objects than people. I learned Autistic kids have problems reading expressions and understanding emotions. As a teacher, my curiosity for this disability grew. I worked with more Autistic kids, some who could solve complex Algebra and others who could not count to 10. There was always one constant though; every child was gentle, happy, and simply just trying to relate with the world around them.
A few days before my Spring Break trip to Germany, a simple email and a "Hey, do you do fundraisers?" solidified my participation in Bike to the Beach this year. The venue was set (Jake's Boiler Room) and the fundraisers Beth Ware, Alex Cole, and I were ready to go. While Beth and I raised for Autism Speaks, Alex was raising for Alzheimer's through his cross country ride..
Raffle prizes came flowing in; restaurant gift certificates, a couple race entries, and a few pairs of sporting events to say the least. I was amazed by the generosity of the community but most of all those who donated to our raffle. My school alone raised $451. My friends donated unselfishly unaware there was even a raffle. Even my mom and 8-month-old niece contributed.
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| Over $1,800 sold in raffle tickets! |
There are numbers you'll never forget in your life; the house number of the one you grew up in (4), the date your niece was born (9/4), the time of your first Olympic triathlon (3:59:49), the time of your best Olympic triathlon (2:57:01). I am happy to say that a new number I will never forget is $2,455, the amount Beth, Alex, and I raised in one night on April 26th, 2013.That's $1,636 for Autism and $819 for Alzheimer's.
In March while running the marathon, Beth and I met Tommy, a parent of an autistic kid. We ran together from mile 2 to mile 17, bonding over race stories, our jobs, and our families. Tommy said that special ed teachers who work with Autistic kids are saints. While there is definite truth to that, parents and families of autistic kids are the true heroes. Although frustration may be a daily part of their lives, I have never seen a parent regret or be upset about their child's condition. They only support them everyday, 100%, relentless and dedicated into finding a cure and a way to help their child life live to its fullest.
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| Beth, Super Hero Dad Tommy, and Me after the marathon |
Did you know it costs a family $60,000 a year (average) to raise and support an Autistic child? Please consider volunteering, helping, or reaching out to the community in help of Autism research or programs for Autistic children. Although my fundraiser is over, you can still donate to Autism speaks directly or through my donation page. I have never been more proud or happy in my life to donate to such an important cause.
Thank you to all those who donated/supported/and came to our event. Special thanks to:
Jake's Boiler Room
and...
Matt McKelvey, Jeff Syfu, Tom Fong, Robin Dennis, Nate Kazaitis, Alec Rubenstein, Chris VanDeWeert, Abraham Parker, and John Blomstrom for your help and donation!
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| Thank you Washington CYC for your support!-Michelle and Alex |
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| Me with fellow century rider Beth and oldest friend JKim- love these girls! |
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