Monday, March 29, 2010

So much more than a 5k

Carson, Me, Anthony and Reagan

This weekend was wonderful!  My family and I participated in the Strides For Autism 5k in Lehi.  I heard about the 5k from Ryan over at No More Bacon.  There are many really cool things about a 5k but this one in particular meant alot to us because of...

My Nephew Jayden

AND

My brother-in-law Andrew


Both of them have Autism.

Up to about 13 years ago I rarely had heard of Autism but once someone you love has it, you find that there are very few people that do not know someone with Autism.

What I have learned about Autism:

It is hard to diagnose in many cases.
It is very difficult to get answers.
It is highly confusing and misunderstood.
They need so much more funding for research.
You cannot always point out someone who has it because there are so many different levels.
It has its good days.
It has its bad days.
Sometimes there are breakthroughs.
More often than not there are setbacks.
It brings so many other health issues with it.
You have to find unconditional love and forgiveness.
At times it is cruel and seems to take away lives and opportunity.
It teaches you how to give more than you thought possible.
Until you have been there you will never fully understand.

I am that person who believes in miracles.  I always have been.  I have always know that Jayden can understand every word we say even though he cannot answer us back.  I know that Andrew is amazingly smart.  To really see into the spirit of someone with Autism is to see an angel.  I will always have hope that someday science will find a way to help find a cure. 


         Ryan from No More Bacon and Me

If you could please help in the cause for The Strides For Autism.  Please go to Ryan's fundraising site and donate.  Odds are you may know someone who has Autism and if you think you do not well your wrong.  You now know Jayden and Andrew, and when you get to Ryan's site you will read about his son Collin. 

Every penny makes a difference and is so very appreciated!


Me and Lawrence (the best cheerleader ever)

Oh and the race results???  They were awesome but not near as awesome as the cause for the race in the first place!

XO Shannon
Posted by at 5:07 AM
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16 comments:

  1. I love this post! You are SO awesome for getting out there and not only running, but doing it for such an amazing cause!
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  2. Great post, congrats on running the race and for such a great cause!!
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  3. Shannon,
    I just love you to pieces!!
    xoxo, Jen
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  4. thank you for this post shannon... you're absolutely right. this is definitely a great cause.
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  5. Such great photos and you are right, a wonderful cause! You are a rockstar!
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  6. You guys are amazing!!
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  7. I am so freaking proud of you Shan! I love that you're doing this for YOU and for a good cause...it couldn't be a more perfect thing :-)
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  8. What an awesome thing to do!! Totally a great cause! And congrats on your awesome time!!
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  9. I love this. Thanks for posting this, and for being so inspiring about it. You are a STAR!
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  10. That's fantastic, Shannon! I start training in earnest for my late April 5K this afternoon, so it's great to see people finishing them. And I love the idea of running for a cause, too. Great job!!!
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  11. You are a rock star!! I am soo stinking proud of what you are doing...and I want to be able to do this too...someday! :) xoxo
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  12. Shannon, this is awesome. Earlier, I commented on Ryan's blog and said that it's funny how when we do something for a good cause, we find that ability to do things we didn't think we could do. I know this affects a great many families. One of my clients is a magazine that features profiles on special needs and services and I have learned much more about autism than I ever thought I would. Good for you and keep doin' what you're doin'!
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  13. This is so cool - on many levels. Congratulations on doing the race; it is so cool that the boys did it with you. My best friend growing up has a son with Autism. She and her husband created a non profit organization called Surfer's Healing. They bring autistic kids out to the beach for a day and teach them to surf. It is highly therapeutic for the kids. I am a believer in miracles too and hope progress will be made in our lifetime. You are such a good role model for your boys Shan.
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  14. What a beautiful post! I do know people whose children have autism and the struggles they have experienced.
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  15. What a wonderful thing to do, and a very worth cause. It's great that you did the race as well as make a difference for children with autism. Hope you raise lots of funds!
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  16. Terrific post! :)

    I love the name of your new blog!
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