Running for Champs
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Erin Wallace and I am a proud mother of an amazing Autistic 7 year old name, Max. Some of you may know Max and I and some of you may not. Here is his story in a nutshell and why I am choosing to Run for Champs.
Max was diagnosed with Autism when he was just about to turn 3 years old. He was non-verbal up until he was about 5. He has done many therapies from speech, OT, ABA, to music. All of them play a part in helping Max on his journey. But it really was not until he started to go to Lakewood Schools full time that I really saw a difference.
Lakewood City Schools have been a major impact on my and Max's life. I really do not know how we were blessed with such an amazing team each year for him. They have helped me and other parents be the best parents to our little ones on the spectrum.
There is a specific program that Max participates in called "Champs Cafè". It is pre-vocational program that is partnered up with another program called "Helping Hands". Helping Hands involves neuro-typical children at the 4th and 5th grade levels helping out the children in Champs which is a special education program. Together they serve hot beverages and treats to the faculty and staff at our elementary school.
This particular program helps with problem solving, communication, teaches disability awareness, builds self confidence in working skills and is an inclusive work setting. It solely relies on donations to keep the program going.
I have thought long and hard on this and this is the only way I can give back to the schools and this program. I have signed up with the Cleveland Marathon to run in the full this year. All who know me know I have found running to be my therapy. It has helped me so much on my journey through our little Autism World.
I have set up my own page on Facebook called "Running for Champs Café". Here I will post all my updates and all my runs from now until the actual marathon. Training begins this week.
My goal is $2500. Of course I would love to get over that goal, but I will take anything to help. All proceeds will go directly to the program. Thank you all for helping me reach my goals. God Bless you all and "find your happy pace".
Sorry, just added this because it is a part of the rules. I just would like to make it clear on how they will receive their donations. I have setup an account that I manage. Once my fundraiser is over, I am going to withdrawal the funds and send a check directly to the program. Again thank you all so very much for your interest in helping this amazing program.
Max was diagnosed with Autism when he was just about to turn 3 years old. He was non-verbal up until he was about 5. He has done many therapies from speech, OT, ABA, to music. All of them play a part in helping Max on his journey. But it really was not until he started to go to Lakewood Schools full time that I really saw a difference.
Lakewood City Schools have been a major impact on my and Max's life. I really do not know how we were blessed with such an amazing team each year for him. They have helped me and other parents be the best parents to our little ones on the spectrum.
There is a specific program that Max participates in called "Champs Cafè". It is pre-vocational program that is partnered up with another program called "Helping Hands". Helping Hands involves neuro-typical children at the 4th and 5th grade levels helping out the children in Champs which is a special education program. Together they serve hot beverages and treats to the faculty and staff at our elementary school.
This particular program helps with problem solving, communication, teaches disability awareness, builds self confidence in working skills and is an inclusive work setting. It solely relies on donations to keep the program going.
I have thought long and hard on this and this is the only way I can give back to the schools and this program. I have signed up with the Cleveland Marathon to run in the full this year. All who know me know I have found running to be my therapy. It has helped me so much on my journey through our little Autism World.
I have set up my own page on Facebook called "Running for Champs Café". Here I will post all my updates and all my runs from now until the actual marathon. Training begins this week.
My goal is $2500. Of course I would love to get over that goal, but I will take anything to help. All proceeds will go directly to the program. Thank you all for helping me reach my goals. God Bless you all and "find your happy pace".
Sorry, just added this because it is a part of the rules. I just would like to make it clear on how they will receive their donations. I have setup an account that I manage. Once my fundraiser is over, I am going to withdrawal the funds and send a check directly to the program. Again thank you all so very much for your interest in helping this amazing program.
Organizer
Erin Barker Wallace
Organizer
Lakewood, OH
