My brother is an eloquent writer, a public speaker, a goofball, a walking, talking history book, and a man that defies the odds. Furthermore, he has autism and he owns it. Jorge considers himself a "lion with a blue heart." Brave and strong, he acknowledges that his autism is a large part of who he is and has excelled because of it. And boy does he roar...

After losing all of his vocabulary and being diagnosed with autism at a very young age, we were told he would never speak at a level appropriate for his age nor would he participate in a regular classroom. He has proven every naysayer wrong.


After joining the National Junior Honors Society in middle school, Jorge received his high school diploma from Atlantic Coast High School (that's our mother handing him his diploma!) after learning in the classrooms that were thought to be out of his reach by many.


Since graduating, he has spoken to students with Autism and their parents about his personal journey: the ups and downs, the teachers that made a difference, and the lessons he's learned that helped him along the way. Students and parents alike eagerly ask him questions and thank him after his speech. He has touched so many lives already and he's just getting started!


Jorge is now a Publix employee and a student at the University of North Florida. He plans to use his degree to help others like him succeed.

This is where we would sincerely appreciate your help. Jorge will be particpating in the THRIVE program at UNF this semester in which he will be able to live on campus, interact with similar students, and receive help from leaders of the program. The program focuses on assisting students with social skills, independence and responsible living skills, and career development skills on top of helping them in their academic ventures,


Housing fees are over $3,000 per semester. This does not include meals and school supplies. Our family is determined to ensure he is part of this program for the rest of his college career. The benefits Jorge will gain from this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience are priceless but understandably housing is not. Jorge needs to be on campus in order to participate in THRIVE. Please help us give him the tools to become the best man he can be.

Know that your donation will not only be an investment in Jorge's future but the future of all those with autism and their families whose lives will be touched with the work Jorge will do in the future. With a major in Psychology and a minor in Disability Services, he is going to continue doing amazing things that will help the community he is a part of.

I end this message with a quote by one of his role models, Temple Grandin: “My Advice is: You always have to keep persevering.” He has persevered and defied all the odds up until now. Let's make sure he can keep doing so.

Thank you!!