Autism Speaks

A few weeks back - July 4th to be exact - we participated in a special event with a very special family.  It was the 13th Annual Autism Speaks 5K Run and Walk and we joined the Nuttall/Alessi family as participants of the Owen's Turn team.  This annual event attracts more than 1,400 runners and walkers who are all there to raise awareness of the plight of children affected with autism and their families, as well as to raise funds to support research and programs for autistic children and loved ones.  My good friend Anne and her hubby Ed were co-chairs for the event so we knew this was the year to join up.

I met Anne back in my AMI days when I was fresh out of college and leaving the retail field for a good old 9 to 5 office job.  I was the out of control 20-something that made her laugh and she was the grounded mature mentor who I looked up to in terms of work-life and family-life.  During our tenure at AMI, we had lots of good times including a serious game of air hockey in Nashville (Nuttall could NOT lose!), detailed (and I mean detailed!) conversations of what it is really like to raise a young family while in the lunch room of the AMI offices, and the AMI Holiday party (no need to say more than that).  But most importantly, we became good friends and remain that way still.

Anne has a beautiful family with her hubby Ed.  They have 3 amazing kids ~ Emily, Owen and Meghan ~ and are the kind of parents that Ed and I hope to be.  Their son Owen was diagnosed with autism when he was a little guy and they have done everything in their power to make sure that he grows up being accepted and included in this world we live in.  Owen is a great kid and I think Anne's hubby said it best in a recent article about the race:  "Owen and so many other children like him are leaving their mark on the world and we are each better, kinder, and more accepting of each other because we are lucky enough to know and love these children."

There are so many people out there that are affected by autism and whether it is a family member, a friend or even the kid down the street, it tugs on our heartstrings to see them grow and succeed.  We are still learning about this disease and while so much has already been done, there is a lot more work to do.  If you are interested in learning more or donating to this important cause, I encourage you to visit the Autism Speaks website.

The Owen's Turn team set a goal to raise $15,000 at the event and I am happy to report that the grand tally was $16,388.  They had 77 people on their team and it's no wonder why.  :)  We were so proud to be a part of this great day - and were honored to be a part of such an amazing team.  Thank you Nuttall/Alessi family for welcoming us with open arms.  We will definitely see you there next year!