**HERE IS OUR STORY**
I am participating in the Eagles Autism Challenge on May 18, 2019 because my 4 year old daughter Maggie was diagnosed with Autism when she turned 3 years old. We have participated in many Autism events in the past year since she was diagnosed, but participating in The Eagles Autism Challenge means the world to us because we are huge Philadelphia Eagles fans and we are huge fans of the Autism world and trying to help in any way we can, so why not participate?
Maggie shows many different signs of Autism: she is non-verbal with a speech delay, she is a very picky eater due to texture issues, she has simple meltdowns very easily, she has sensory processing issues, she has lack of empathy and has difficulty understanding another person’s feelings, She is used to daily routine and can get upset if it gets out of order, and she definitely sees the world from different angles...these are just a few of her Autism symptoms. However, although my daughter faces these challenges with Autism it does not define who she really is. Maggie is bright and very smart in her own way, she learns new things very easily, she is sweet and funny, she is very lovable and gives the best hugs & kisses!!! She is a true blessing and gives me such pride & joy in my life!
My daughter goes to Early Intervention 3 days a week to help with all of her Autism signs and symptoms. She receives Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy when she is there. She also receives help with transitioning. I couldn’t be more grateful to receive these services and see her get all the help she deserves...all the people that work with her are absolutely fabulous!
Since I have found out that she has Autism I have been trying to educate myself more about Autism, along with also contributing ways I can help Maggie and very many other families that are going through the same situations and struggles that we are facing.
That’s why I am participating in The Eagles Autism Challenge!!
I know there’s a lot of people out there who are just like me and want to try and help in any little way they can. Like I said since my little girl Maggie has been diagnosed, I just want to try and make a difference in the world of Autism and try to help anywhere I can! And I know we can can do that with everybody’s support!
We need awareness and acceptance for Autism in the world.
My little Maggie has her meltdowns in public and we get stared at because no one is aware that she has Autism, they think she is just a child having a bad tantrum. That’s why I want to raise money for awareness along with the acceptance.
We greatly appreciate any support we can receive!! Please help us in trying to make a difference in this world. Please consider donating or joining our team. Thank you all for your support!!!
#Team Maggie
Remember Different Not Less!!
On May 18, 2019 I will join the entire organization and thousands of others from the community to ride, run or walk in the Eagles Autism Challenge. This event is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to address the complex issues presented by the condition of autism. By providing the necessary resources to thought leaders, we can advance scientific breakthroughs. All participant-raised funds, 100 %, will go directly towards autism research and/or programs at beneficiary partners, as together we shift from autism awareness to action. I hope you will consider making a donation towards my fundraising goal to help transform the lives of those affected by autism today and tomorrow. Thank you!
