My Autistic daughter Alyssa's dream

My daughter Alyssa is 21 years old and autistic.  Life has been challenging for us over the years.    We understand that the dreams that we had for our child will not be what we thought, but Alyssa has proven to us that HER dreams are attainable. 

Alyssa is going to graduate in June and begin the next stage of her life.   Being independent is important to all people, as well as Alyssa.  Being independent requires a job, and Alyssa's dream job is to be a Mascot.  While at North Babylon High School she often volunteered to be the Bulldog Mascot.  When Alyssa puts on the Bulldog costume, all of the challenges of being autistic seem to diminish.  She comes alive and gets the crowd excited with her enthusiasm. 

Now that Alyssa is graduating and will no longer be the Bulldog at school, she would like to continue her job as being a mascot.  Alyssa would like to entertain children as other characters.  This can be a potential career and help Alyssa to become independent.  Alyssa would like to purchase a mascot costume to start her own business entertaining children.

Also, as a final thank you to her school, Alyssa would like to raise money to purchase a new Bulldog mascot for North Babylon High School.  Alyssa would like to share her excitement of being the Bulldog with future classmates.  This Bulldog mascot has seen many good games and it is time to be retired.

My daughter Alyssa has taught us that although our dreams for her might have changed with an autism diagnosis, her dreams are just right for her.  And with your help, you can make her dreams possible.