This is my brother Jareth. He might look normal but he is Autistic. Autism has affected my family ever since he was diagnosed. He is now 10 years old and I’m his older sister, Julia, age thirteen.Life’s been hard for my family. Thanks to my brother I’ve gone through many challenges and experiences not every teen would go through. My family and I can’t go to the mall together quite often, it's hard to watch movies in theaters never knowing when he may get upset, sometimes my brother keeps us up all night yelling, and sometimes we can never have time for ourselves watching over him.
Those are some downs but there are so many more ups by far. Thanks to having a sibling with autism I’m more aware of others around me, I want to be an occupational therapist so I can help other kids like my brother, I am more patient, I try to understand when someone in the public is having troubles with there young ones, and I also see life in a very different way.
Don’t feel sorry for me or anything, okay? Trust me, I actually have it better than other people with brothers or sisters with autism and I’m grateful for that. My family is very blessed with wonderful friends and family.
Now, my family and I are coming to you for help. We hope you will be willing to donate to this important cause. We are participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for this still incurable disease. Autism affects one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is still unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.
Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising funds for autism research and heightening public awareness. We will be walking on May 16, 2009 at Soldier Field, Chicago and would like you to support those affected by autism. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and/or join my team online through my teams webpage at www.walknowforautism.org.
Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks. My team name is Woodland Autism Team; please note this on your check and the donation form. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.
Yours Truly,
Julia
