Thursday, February 12, 2015

Waiting to Exhale

So many have thanked me for putting together the Challenger League, but i want you to now that I am forever grateful and thankful to you all!  This has been one of my most rewarding and fulfilling moments in my life.  Being able to meet so many super amazing children and their amazing families is hands down top five in my lifetime experiences.  

When I learned of my son's diagnosis, I was mixed with emotions and felt powerless and confused.  I can't say alone, because I had my husband, but we didn't personally know of anyone else diagnosed with Autism.  As we pushed forward we met others who experienced the same heartache, struggles and overwhelming love for our children. 

This hasn't been an easy journey, as a lot of you know.  But it is a very rewarding one.  I have to say that the rewards outweigh the meltdowns and red tape I get tangled up in at times.  All their milestones and accomplishments  are that much more greater, because we know how much they had to overcome to make it happen! 

Last season, when baseball started, I had no idea what to expect, but I went into with the intention of creating an environment where everyone involved was going to get something out of it!  It was and still is important that parents and family trust me and understand that I had only good intentions.  My goal was to make them feel at home!  And to allow them to be comfortable with letting their most precious possession be themselves.  I wanted them to have the same service that I would want for myself and my children.  It's why I take the time to know each child and get to know the family!  

I love talking to parents who are unsure about signing their children up.  They're always sound so tense, but once I start to explain, I hear that sigh of relief.  That exhale.  I look forward to our second season!!!! 



Thursday, February 5, 2015

Every Little Bit Counts

For a few years, I raised thousands of dollars to donate to an organization that mainly focuses on research of Autism.  Which by the way is a great thing.  But, my child HAS Autism and Needs services now.  I live in the Bronx and most times have to travel out of the borough I live in for activities and/or programs that are tailored to my sons needs. 
 
I began to feel uncomfortable about handing over so much money and never really knowing if the money was going to services and not advertising or incentives to raise more money.  So when my child asked to play baseball, I did all that I could to make it happen!
 
I am so proud to be able to put all my fundraising efforts into a program that benefits children on the spectrum, and that is Free.  I love being able to see just where the funds that we raised are going to. 
Check out our Website to see how successful our last season was!!!! We went from having 65 players and 4 teams to having 145 players and 12 teams for our upcoming season!   Help us to make our 2nd Season even more AMAZING than last year!!!!!
 
Come out on Friday April 3rd, 2015 to sing your hearts or just support at our 5th Annual Autistic Kids Rock Karaoke Fundraiser


 
Can't make it out to our event, but still want to donate?  You can check out our GoFundme Page

 
Want to learn more about our program and see pics of our great 1st season? Click here to Check Out our Website