My Next Jersey

While training for the Cave Creek Bike Festival Ride the year before last, I raised money for Autism with a website called trainforautism.com. I raised over $1500 and rode 70 miles to do so. I blogged about it and had someone contact me and ask if I knew where to get an "Autism Awareness" type of cycling jersey. Well, I never received an email with the comment on my blog, but as I was going through it a few weeks ago, cleaning some things up, I found the question. I thought what a cool idea! I know just how to design one! A quick Internet search and bam! There it was. This jersey was from the Austin Autism Society Bike Ride in 2010. I've contacted the organizers and they will be doing a ride again this year (hopefully with the same jerseys). When the become available, I will be ordering one. Here's what I like about it:
1. It promotes Autism Awareness
2. It's colors are bright (promotes safety)
3. It's EXACTLY what i was thinking of as a design

In the interim, in case they don't do the same jersey, I have contacted a friend of mine who runs the Not One More foundation which helps injured cyclists. She has a cool jersey which is sold locally to help raise money for her foundation. I've contacted her to find out the company she uses to have her jerseys made.

Why Autism Awareness? My son was diagnosed when he was a little over 3 years old. He had little to no speech, lack of interest in peers, and a persistent fixation on inappropriate objects. With some serious dietary changes, supplementation, and support, under the guide of our DAN! doctor, he is now well on the road to recovery. I believe that diet, vaccines, and environmental factors all contribute to the rise in the numbers of Autistic children in this country. It is estimated that 1 in 110 children are diagnosed to day (1 in 91 boys) and the government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. This means that is it very likely that everyone will know or love somebody on the "spectrum". I do, and I want to help educate those who will listen to help their kid(s) have a fighting chance at recovery the way my son has. So if I can ride with this jersey on and make people ask themselves "what is Autism?" or ask me, mission accomplished. What has worked for my son may or may not work for your kiddo, but this is beatable. I worked an Autism trade show with my wife last spring for TACA and was amazed at the number of dads that came up to talk to me. These events are typically attended by the "warrior moms" who are fighting for their kids. It was awesome to be able to share our story and give these parents who just starting their journey hope that this can be overcome. It's not easy. It's a LOT of work.

But isn't anything that's really worth it a lot of work? I know my son is worth it. I bet your loved one is too.