Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Union Daily Times, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Auction organizers hope to raise autisum awareness
by ANNA BROWN
2 days 10 hrs ago | 80 views | 0 0 comments | 0 0 recommendations | email to a friend | print
A silent auction and fund-raiser for Autism Speaks — Walk Now for Autism, will be held Saturday at the Union National Guard Armory.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

Betsy Hudson, who is organizing the eve
nt with her husband, Gator, said the money is being raised by the Team Aruba Walk Team which will participate in the Carolinas Walk Now for Autism on Oct. 10 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. She said the event isn’t just a fund-raiser, it will be a chance to raise awareness of autism and for parents of children with autism to learn about services that could help their family. Michelle Preslar, executive director of Greater Charlotte Autism Speaks, will attend the auction.

“The main thing we want to do is raise awareness,” said Mrs. Hudson, the mother of Kyle, 6, who has been diagnosed with autism. “Whatever we can do to help. We hope people will come out.”

Mrs. Hudson said all money raised will go to A
utism Speaks, which funds Autism research.

Non-perishable food items will be collected for the Union First Baptist Church food pantry.

There will be a hot dog and barbecue sale from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Melting Pot Restaurant will be on hand giving out chocolate.

Silent auction items include a fender from NASCAR great Jeff Gordon’s car, restaurant gift certificates, massages, hair products, florals, a weekend drive in a BMW, a birthday party package from Monkey Joe’s, four single game tickets and a gift bucket from Greenville Drive, Disney items — including a large Wally robot, passes to Riverbanks Zoo, passes to the South Carolina Aquarium at Charleston, an autographed tackle box and tackle from Hank Parker, a signed racing uniform from Randy Hawkins, tickets to Flat Rock Playhouse, a baseball autographed by John Smoltz with certificate of authenticity, a family pack of four Wofford football tickets, three month membership to Curves, studio access passes to the John Boy and Billy Show, a pallet of sod, tools, oil changes, autographed racing items, antique table and chairs and many more items from businesses in Union, Spartanburg, Columbia and other towns in North and South Carolina.

Those attending can sign up to be an honorary crew member of Team Aruba.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

To you my son....


On this Mother's Day, May 10, 2009
I look at you and would do it all again
the joy, the pain, sorrow, the gain
to see you struggle and strive
be defeated and succeed
to beat the odds and fight the genes.

You are my one and only,

my chunky monkey,

who laughs and cries,

fights and climbs,

over and under

any stairs, steps or flight,

to reach your ultimate best
and show everyone
that you are not afraid to be you.

As I look at you tonight,

sleeping soundly with Elmo,

I can't help but cry and think

how I am the luckiest mom in the world

to have been blessed with a son like you

who is perfect in every way,

including genetics and autistic ways.


Moms be thankful for what you have,

God knows what he's doing today,

for one day we will all be flawless,

but to moms we are perfect today!


Enjoy the bad days and good,

for I know that all it takes
is one touch from Kyle
in a gentle way
to make the worst day go away.


Open your hearts and minds
and appreciate
this most precious gift to us all,
that of mothers and motherhood.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

You are invited......

Dr. Threatt...the best there is!

When you find someone as wonderful as Dr. Threatt has been to Kyle and our family, you drive and hour to provide the best medical care for your son....and Dr. Threatt is the best! And to hear that she is not feeling well and they do not have an expected return date to her practice is very upsetting. Needless to say we are very upset and worried about her. We hope for her a very speedy recovery, because no one can replace her.

No one has gone to bat for our son they way she has. We were very lucky because a lot of parents of children with autism are not. Doctors don't want to listen to the parents, through Autism Speaks, parents and advocates have pushed this issue and doctors are beginning to listen to us. Parents may not be medical experts but they are experts on their children. Parents listen to your gut instincts and doctors listen to the parents. We all have to work together to find a cause and a cure for Autism.
In the mean time, we will drive the distance to see our favorite pediatrician. And we have her in our thoughts and prayers!