Yesterday we had the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraiser and walk. It was at Rio Tinto Stadium. The morning started out super chilly, but just as it was about to start, the sun peaked out and it was pretty nice.
We were lucky enough to have a friend help us with t-shirts. They had an adorable picture of Cayden on the front, and it said Team Cayden-Autism Awareness. This has been a new journey for us. We started noticing Cayden was not progressing in some areas about 18 months. He had spoken 3 words around a year old, and then stopped talking. He made this low toned "eeehhhh" noise a lot, and he would not for the life of me, respond to his name. After some speech therapy, we decided to have him tested for autism. I will never forget the feeling I had when I heard the words, "your child has autism." I knew it. I had known it for a while, and I was ok with it. But to hear someone tell you what your hoped you were imagining was heart-breaking. Mama bear came out in me, and my first instinct was to get defensive. But in my heart, I knew. And I knew Cayden was sent to Chris and I for a reason, and we wouldn't change anything about him for the world. Autism is what makes Cayden, well, Cayden.
It was stunning to see all the support we had from family and friends. We were able to raise $765.00 for autism research. 1 in 110 kids is diagnosed with autism each year, and majority of those are boys. The numbers are increasing every year, and we have to find out why.
This is just a glimpse of the support system we have in place. Cayden is a loved little boy, and we are so lucky to have his sweet spirit in our home.
This is just a glimpse of the support system we have in place. Cayden is a loved little boy, and we are so lucky to have his sweet spirit in our home.
Thank you again to everyone who was there with us. In person or in spirit! We love you. Cayden loves you. And we couldn't take this journey in our lives without you!
5 comments:
that is such a cute picture of chris and cayden!! i am so glad we were able to come and do the walk with you guys!! we love you!!
Linds, you and Chris have amazing children. The support that surrounds Cayden is phenomenal, both within your home and the support that exudes from extended family and friends. He is one special little boy, and we are so lucky to have him as part of our family!
Hugs to you. You are all amazing . . . especially cute little Cayden!
Of course he was sent to you two, you two are amazing people and awesome parents and I know Cayden is going to be the happiest and luckiest little boy growing up. That walk is so cool. I'm glad it went so well. Love you!
Did you see the latest report on autism? It was a small study done, but the results were incredible. They tested the donated brains of a bunch of kids who had died, some with autism, and then some without. Every one of the kids with autism had A LOT more neurons in their brain than the kids without autism. Makes sense to me!!
Love ya!
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