One of the things that I have been able to do is tie my professional life to my Autism fight.
Last July, with the help of a local minor league baseball team, I was able to raise over $2,000 for Autism awareness in the Quad Cities. Last week, we duplicated that effort with a client of mine - the Rockford Rampage of the MISL.
Fans flocked to the bidding tables to win the special Autism awareness jerseys that the team wore, but I had something happen that night that showed the real reason for the fundraiser.
As the team came back on to the field after half time, they throw frisbees into the stand, courtesy of a local sponsor. One of the players picked my son out of the crowd and attempted to throw one to my son - it didn't quite get to him, and another person got it.
Chandler was devistated, and began to have a meltdown in the arena. The player went to the bench, got a soccer ball, and came back to give it to Chandler. This changed the tone of the evening to say the least.
I then had to bid on this players jersey - and we won it. Chandler wears it everywhere and loves to show off the ball, in which the player signed "to Chandler, my best fan."
Following the game, all of the jersey winners got to take the shirt right off the players back on the field. This player spent ten minutes talking with Chandler - he will never fully understand the impact he made on the life of a young autistic boy.
We have our challenges - but I would not have it any other way. I am the proud father of two Autistic boys, and they were sent to me for a reason. While the days may seem long, the journey is an incredible learning experience and I am so grateful for what they teach me.
Oh my goodness, I grew up in the Quad-Cities, how crazy is that? I lived in Rock Island until I went to college and ended up settling with my husband out here in Pennsylvania. As they say, it's a small world!
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