AUTISM SPEAKS INC

Autism Run, Miles With Meaning!

Join Crum Griffin Group

on Saturday, April 12th at

Armco Park (1223 OH-741, Lebanon, OH)

for our

1st Annual Autism Run, Walk, and Stroll.

8:30am Check-In & Arrivals at Shelter 33.

Receive your shirt and swag bag at the event check-in.

Run, Walk, and Stroll will begin at 9am sharp.

See you there!

My name is Anthony “Tony” Roddy and I am 65 years old. At this age, I am very proud to be a part of an exclusive generation called the “Baby Boomers.” I made a recent promise to myself which was twofold: the first was when I retire from the workforce and still have great health, I would walk across America. Secondly, to stay in alignment with empathy and be as unselfish/selfless as I can when it comes to serving others. The retirement happened for me in 2014 from USDA Forest Service, and I began my historical “Walk About America” in 2015. I completed the "Walk About America" (3,037 mi) in December 2015, helping the Make-A-Wish children. This current promotion that I'm doing is to help my wonderful, gifted grandson, Mr. Warren Roddy. As a concerned, loving, teaching grandfather, it is my obligation (I feel) to help promote my grandson's developmental skills he might need for life. And with your help in supporting the Autism organization, it will go a long way. I found that walking helped me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Iraq. So why not walk, help myself, and help someone else at the same time. Fast forward to March 2025, I will be walking the Appalachian Trail (AT) 2,100 miles to bring awareness and attempt to raise funds for the AUTISM organization. This world is going to be tough enough, so why not help. My word of today is Legacy; anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. The Baby Boomers generation is making a mass exodus into the retirement realm (me included) and wants to show the rest of the world that we still got it. As a future predecessor, I must leave something that is positively worthwhile (not any debt) for my family to remember me by. I am leaving a remembrance of compassion to help people, and kids are people too, especially if it's a grandchild. I can’t think of a better way to help and support the kids that deserve help just by simply walking a few miles. This is something that really feels natural to me. The Bible states, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him" Psalm 127:3-5. All money donated will go directly to AUTISM SPEAKS organization. Thank you.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?"

For my birthday I am asking for donations for Autism speaks. It’s important to me, no pressure if someone is able to donate great! It would make my day. This organization is fantastic and helps people with Autism in a huge way! Thanks!

My precious niece sent our family this text message (see picture or dictated below)!

We all draw a name for Christmas and have a $50 budget. I drew her name this year and I am in awe of her compassion and that as a young 22 year old she, is asking that her secret Santa makes a difference with her $50 dollars instead of getting her anything. I laid in bed thinking about how amazing it would be if we could turn this $50 into $500 or more.

Isabella has a heart for the autistic. She has worked at Healing Haven for the last several years as an RBT and is going to start her masters next year with the heart and goal of make a difference.

Would you consider giving $5 or $10 this Christmas to Autism Speaks? It would bless us and them greatly.

Merry Christmas, Beth DeLemos

Text Message:

"Yo yo everyone!! I think the way secret santa works is that no one from my household can have me, so with that being said someone in y’all’s house has me:) If my secret Santa hasn’t already gotten me a gift, I would love it if my secret santa would give to someone y’all know is in need this Christmas instead with the $50 budget. I am so blessed and truly have more than I need, my cup overflows with blessings! However, if my secret santa has already gotten me a gift I am very grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Have a beautiful day everyone!"

A Journey of Passion and Commitment: Visaaradh Palanichamy's Story

My name is Visaaradh Palanichamy, and I am a 15-year-old sophomore with a deep passion for charity. I firmly believe that by combining our passions for charity, we can create impactful contributions to society. This is my journey of compassion and commitment to a cause that is close and dear to my heart—autism.

Close Encounters with Autism

I have witnessed firsthand the challenges parents face as they raise children with special needs. These close encounters have given me a personal connection to autism, and understanding these challenges has fueled my desire to make a difference. I wanted to create awareness and demonstrate my unwavering commitment to this cause.

The Hike for Awareness

With determination in my heart, I decided to embark on a challenging hike to Havasupai Falls, Beaver Falls, and Mooney Falls. My goal was not just to complete the hike of at least 28 miles but to raise awareness about autism along the way. This physical challenge became a metaphor for the hurdles faced by autistic individuals and their families every day.

During my preparation for the hike, I discovered Autism Speaks—a remarkable organization dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Inspired by the work they are doing through advocacy, services, research, and more, I chose to dedicate all funds raised from my hike directly to Autism Speaks. I am covering my hiking expenses personally because every dollar raised should support this important cause.

The Call for Compassion

Today, I invite you to join me in this journey of empathy and support. As you read about my hike and the mission of Autism Speaks, I urge you to reflect on the increasing prevalence of autism in society and the daily challenges faced by parents raising special needs children.

If this cause resonates with you as it does with me, please consider contributing to our fundraising efforts. Your support will help Autism Speaks continue its vital work and bring us closer to an inclusive world where every individual with autism can thrive.

Together, let's raise awareness, provide support, and inspire change in the lives of those affected by autism. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

• Your donation can make a difference.

• Raise awareness about autism today.

Hiking schedule - Nov 15th to 18th. I started my practice hikes on 6th October and will provide you weekly updates on how my practice is going.

Sincerely,

Visaaradh Palanichamy

My name is Anton. I am raising funds for Autism Speaks. I have always been passionate about helping my community as much as I can, and my goal is to create a world where every individual is celebrated for their unique gifts. I hope you will join me in supporting this amazing organization!!

Help Fund Support raise money for a solution to end Autism Today with Autism Speaks!

Become one of the generous supporters with Fund Supporter and we can make a difference together. Your donation counts, and with GoFundMe, you have the ability to remain securely anonymous with your contribution, along with monthly recurring donations if you desire.

For more information about Autism and Autism Speaks, please visit Autism Speaks.

Hello everyone, my name is Kieana and I am a special education teacher. I work with children with Autism. This is something near and dear to my heart. As of 2024, autism affects 1 in 36 children in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 2.3% of all American children are autistic, with boys being diagnosed with ASD at a rate of 4 times higher than girls.

I am asking everyone, if you can, to please donate $25.00 to Autism Speaks organization. The money will go for research. Please spread the word.

All proceeds go straight to the organization.

I am Felix, a proud dad of an amazing 10-year-old boy with autism. Over the years, being a dad of an autistic child is sometimes challenging. Although my son is on the lower end of the spectrum, the challenges are still present. I have met so many parents with autistic children over the years, both online and in person. I've learned that every child with autism and parents of children with autism have different challenges and difficulties due to the wide range of the spectrum. After going through two joint replacement surgeries (left knee & hip) over the last 9 months a new journey begins.

I am taking part in a 20-mile hike over eight hours on September 21st, 2024, in the name of my son and hope to use this new challenge to help raise money to help Autism Speaks charity. One hundred percent of all money raised will be donated to the charity. I have never done anything like this before, and I will not stop until I cross that finish line. Whether walking or crawling, over eight hours or eighty hours, I will cross that finish line!

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

EIN Number: 20-2329938

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