Walk Now for Autism

Dear Family and Friends,
Did you know that every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism? This has occurred in my family. Our son Grayson lives with autism everyday. He goes to The Carmin B. Pingree Center For Children with Autism full time. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three and has issues doing everyday things that most people take for granted. Grayson has many sensory issues that prevent him from eating most foods and touching things that most kids love to play with. He also has trouble connecting to people, playing everyday games and doing everyday task. Grayson has no concept of danger. He also has trouble with feeling pain, and discomfort. He can’t express everyday feelings such as frustration, anger, joy, excitement, fear. Grayson doesn’t cry when he is hurt and repeats it so he can know why it hurt. He faces a world that he does not understand, and does not understand him.
As Scary as this is for Grayson and our family, many wonderful things are working to help him and others like him. Grayson works hard at school and therapy to overcome the obstacles in front of him. He is reading at a 2nd grade level , use language beneficially to express himself. He is finally potty trained. He can tell you facts about animals and many other things. These thing are possible because of donations that pay for research, therapy and education. Every penny that I collect through your kindness gives Grayson and those that come behind him a better life and a better future. Its about the Children. Please Help. If you have any Questions you can contact me at 801-347-0771.
Last year the walk was very successful and raised over $328,000 dollars. Autism speaks has turned around and already given Utah back over $500,000 in thing that benefit families affected by Autism like the 100 day kit to help people find out what the next step is after the diagnoses. We are also working toward passing a new insurance law that makes insurance companies pay for proven therapies and treatments. To learn more about that and how you can help you can email me at mbc715@hotmail.com.
I am walking in the fight against autism on May 2, 2009 at Walk Now for Autism, joining tens of thousands of other people united by a single cause and dedicated to raising money to find a cure for autism. The money raised at Walk Now for Autism supports Autism Speaks mission to finding the causes, effective treatments and a cure for autism through funding essential research. One in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism. Autism Speaks directs every dollar raised to autism research, awareness and outreach. My team name is Pacin’ for Grayson and My personal fundraising goal is $ 1000. I am well on my way. Please help me reach my goal by making any donation. Every little bit counts. You can make a donation online at www.walknowforautism.org/utah and enter my name. You can also use the donation form and Mail it to me and I will take care of the rest; please make checks payable to Autism Speaks and mail to:
Melissa Christensen
412 east 10185 south
Sandy, Utah 84070

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.
Sincerely,
Melissa, Robert, And Grayson