Spring-ing Into Action

It's been far too long since I last posted. My apologies. Really. I could blame being back to work or the fact that the last two months have been full of...action. But I won't. I CAN tell you that it's been a fabulous Spring full of activity and great memories. As of this week, I am in my 17th week of pregnancy and everything is going great. A serious cause for celebration - Yippee! 

On Saturday, April 23, Leo's family and I participated in Walk Now for Autism Speaks in support of our nephews, Xavier and Alexander. This year we really stepped up our game by planning various events to raise funds. There were BBQ dinners, a charity concert, a poker game, a silent auction and a girl's night out to name just a few and I am very proud to say that the end result was that we were able to raise $13,395.00, which earned us the 11th top fund raising team position out of literally hundreds of other teams. Impressive, if I do say so myself.

Even now, it's difficult to explain the feelings I had on the day of the walk. It was just great to feel as though we came together as a family to make a difference. A few of us qualified for the Grand Club so it was fun to be able to rub elbows with some of Autism Speak's biggest advocates and supporters, Holly Robinson-Pete (She started the HollyRod Foundation) and Zev and Justin from the Amazing Race. The weather was perfect and everyone wore their Team X to the A Force team t-shirts proudly. 

Over the last few months, I have also had the pleasure to meet some pretty amazing people who generously donated their time, talents and products in support of Autism Speaks. Many of them I contacted online so it was even more amazing to me that these perfect strangers stepped up to make a contribution. After countless emails, facebook posts and conversations I am proud to say that many of them I now consider great friends. Please take a moment to check out their websites - I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Allison B Wonderland
Aloette Skincare - Monica Beltran

Bath by Riley

Bird's Party

Derrick Dzine Dargan
Foremost Apparel 

Glassy Chic Boutique
Iris Jewelry Design
Jana's Fine Designs
JDM Bakeshop

Letter Chef

Lisa Leonard Designs
Made Especially For You
Paper & Pigtails

The Clever Corner
Treasured Gardens Handcrafted Soaps

True Emotions Photography

I would also like to thank the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA for allowing me to host the Girl's Night Out on their beautiful patio. I can't thank them enough for donating dinner and wine for my guests and for all the special touches, such as the surprise birthday cake made by Cucamonga Cakery in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. (If you book an event there, ask for Beth Gallagher - she is the best of the best!)

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Picazo's Flower Designs in Rancho Cucamonga for donating the beautiful flower arrangements (see photo at top of post) and to Signature Limos Limousines for giving me a fabulous rate and amazing service - the party bus was a huge hit! Lastly, a HUGE thank you goes out to everyone who came out to our various fund raising events and those of you who made a donation. 

Together, we put action to work for Autism Speaks! On behalf of myself, Leo's family and most especially, our nephews Xavier and Alexander - thank you for your support!

It's Time to Listen

 I walk for good reason. Two very good reasons, that is. 

Every year, I walk in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Los Angeles in support of my nephews, Xavier, age 16 and Alexander, age14. I wish things were different. I wish I could make this disorder go away but based on the current statistics, not only is Autism here to stay, it continues to grow every year and at alarming rates.

"Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase."  Autism Speaks website

The best way I know how to explain this frustrating and heartbreaking disorder is that it greatly affects how a child perceives the world and it makes communication and social interaction extremely difficult. Autism impacts every inch of their lives, from being able to learn and grow as a person to developing relationships and making friends. Autism has the potential to impact their lives from childhood to adulthood and beyond.

A few years back, I saw this special on autism where to shed some light into the autistic child's perception, they took someone without autism and put them in a quiet room. First, they explained that an autistic child hears everything that we hear but ten times louder. Then they proceeded to turn on several televisions, a couple of radios - they even had several people talking loudly throughout the room. Lastly, they swiveled the chair so that the person was now spinning. They continued to do this for several minutes until they finally stopped all of the noise and the spinning to explain that this scenario was similar to what an autistic child goes through on a daily bases. Can you imagine? This explanation hit me hard. It still does. 

Despite these descriptions and scenarios that seem overwhelming and difficult to deal with, Alex is happy. He loves to dance and watch movies. Currently, he watches Despicable Me over and over, jumping up to dance along with the main character, smiling the whole time. He sometimes "stems" to keep calm but unlike most autistic children, he is sweet and affectionate.

Xavier is on the opposite spectrum. He has Asperger's Syndrome. He is smart, witty and articulates better than most adults I know but like his little brother, he struggles with social skills. He has difficulty with balance and as a result, he has always gravitated to video games instead of sports. He is great with Alex and he loves to read. 

Regardless of the hurdles Xavier and Alex face every day, they are amazing individuals. They each have their own special way of showing their love and gratitude. I watch, as I always have, as they continue to grow and learn - not as quickly as their peers but still at their own pace. I walk to support them in their day-to-day efforts and struggles, I walk to show them both just how much they are loved, I walk to increase awareness because early diagnosis can make a world of difference and most importantly, I walk to raise money so that one day, a cure can be found. Not for me and not for you but for my nephews, Xavier and Alexander. For them, I'd walk to the ends of the world and back.

There are several ways you can help:

• Sponsor me by clicking here 
• Join our team, "Team X to the A", on Saturday, April 23 at the Rose Bowl
• Donate a silent auction item for our Facebook auction: Gift Baskets, Gift Cards, Jewelry, Autographed Memorabilia, Hand-Made Items, etc. 

If you are interested in walking, donating a silent auction item, or attending our online silent auction event (or all 3!) please email me at missyah1@sbcglobal.net.

Thank you for your support!
(And thank you for listening!)
 Missy