Autism Awareness Month

As you may or may not know, I am a foster mom to a beautiful little girl Sapphira. She is six years old, has brown hair, big brown eyes, she has a huge spirit and a loving attitude. She has this smile that lights up the room, and makes you fall instantly in love with her. She also has Autism.

We've had Sapphira for almost three years. To us we are her parents, and to her she is our daughter. We hope some day we can adopt her. But that is a long time coming, and a struggle for another day. Today- well everyday, we struggle over mundain things, don't bite yourself, I am sorry we are running two minutes behind schedule, be nice to the therapist. These are every day things in her world. Things such as sensory breaks, weighted blankets, daily therapy, and IEPs.

Autism is a bunch of things all rolled into one, Awareness should be everywhere. But its not. We still get the looks, the stares, the rude, nasty, and sometimes downright hurtful comments. It shocks me that people think a good smack on the butt will cure behavior problems, or that staring at us with a sour puss will stop a melt down. It doesn't- it won't.  But Autism is one of those things you can't see from the outside. Unlike someone in a wheel chair, Autism its not fully recognizable to the general public.

Awareness and Education are a must.

April happens to be Autism Awareness month. Locally we have tons of activities and events. The Green Bay Gamblers' Hockey Team will Host Autism Awareness Night on Friday April 12th. And the Autism Society of Wisconsin has their convention at the Kalahari April 18th, 19, and 20th. Tonight -April 2nd- is light it up Blue, where people all over the world are lighting things up in a blue shade to bring awareness.

As a mom I want to help as much as possible. I want to educate everyone I meet, hand out cards on Autism. But its just possible or feasible. But what can I do to help? Like a dutiful parent I have the sticker on the back of my car, you know the ribbon with all the puzzle pieces. I have my profile picture on Facebook the official Light It Up Blue Icon. I report status updates on Autism, but does this really change anything? Does it bring education, or awareness?

Back in January I started as an independent consultant with a direct sales company. We sell things like purses, organizers, thermals, and other items. I absolutely love this company and they encourage us to give back.

In spirit of giving back, and of bringing Awareness to Autism, I have decided to do a fundraiser through my direct sales company, all of the proceeds will be donated then to the Autism Society of Wisconsin. Its running from today April 2nd to April 13th. You can contact me via email at camrannie@yahoo.com for more details, or you can visit my Facebook page for event details and links to shop https://www.facebook.com/groups/449321628466940/