So Corinne ran the Country Music Half and Logan and I didn't get to the finish line until after she finished. Long story...let's just say that parking is an issue at that race and Logan and I did a lot of walking that day. :-)
Fortunately, Jason with the Autism Society of Middle Tennessee did get a picture of Corinne running and also of some of the volunteers who were at mile six I think.
Thanks, Jason!
April 2 is World Autism Day. That is also the very day we started on our own journey with this incredible disease. Our Logan was diagnosed at age five and our story is like so many others. For a few years I “felt” like something was wrong but didn’t know what to do about it. He just seemed to slowly grow into a child unlike his peers and what Mommy wants to face the cold truth their child might have Autism.
Well, let me tell you. Thank goodness we did the testing. The Logan we know today is talkative, fun, exploring, and a joy to be around. We now “know” Logan and a year ago we had trouble really “reaching him.” The things many parents take for granted we are finally experiencing…I love yous, imaginary friends, playing games TOGETHER, and the list goes on and on. Before, it was like Logan lived in his own world and we learned to read clues into what he did in order to “know” him. It’s just so different now.
The road this year was tough and we are lucky…very lucky. Logan’s autism is mild if you can ever say that. But I tell you, the day he was diagnosed my heart broke. It broke into a million pieces. I had to hold it together for him and for our family around us. As his mommy I knew in my heart something wasn’t right so I was prepared. It seemed no one around me was. I felt so alone and isolated because I couldn’t grieve and hold it all together.
Our story that first week was diagnosis on April 2, 2008, fly to New Jersey for a Defeat Autism NOW conference on April 3 to figure out what the heck we should do, and then come home three days later to start arranging help.
I called the Middle Tennessee Autism Society and said we were just diagnosed a few days ago and I don’t even know what I should be asking. Where do I start?
The most gentle woman answered the phone. She listened, looked up phone numbers, and just gave me anything and everything she knew that could help. It was a lot to take in. The world seems so out of control and frantic because every second counts. Although it was overwhelming her kindness made it seem like I could do this. I can get in there and do what needs to be done.
Fast forward a year later. Logan is doing great. Chris has worked tirelessly on biomedical research and such. He’s been heavily engaged with the experiential learning Logan needs. I’ve hauled him from therapy appointments, school, and worked with his ABA. We have a wonderful team that works so hard for him.
This April 25th I am running the Country Music Half Marathon with my dearest and oldest friend Laurie Lee. We’ve decided to run for Autism and raise money for the Middle Tennessee Autism Society. What I have learned through this journey is EXACTLY HOW LUCKY WE ARE because so many kids with this disease cannot afford…
- The biomedical interventions.
- The special therapists.
- The classes and education parents need to help their kids.
- The diet intervention.
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Most or all of this is not covered by insurance. What a shame. Shame on a country that doesn’t help these kids. Did you know that 1 in 150 kids have Autism??
We ask your help in raising money for the Middle Tennessee Autism Society. They do great work for families affected by this terrible disease. They sponsor workshops, have a library of resources at their office, and they work with Vanderbilt to further research and education. Primarily they help families who do not have the same fortune as Chris and I do. EVERY CHILD deserves a chance to be like Logan!
If you would like to donate, please use our Paypal button and whatever is donated to this account Laurie and I will give to the ASMT in Logan’s honor. She and I will be wearing a special marker through the race to raise awareness for the disease, too.
Thank you for your support!
