YPA - Autism Fundraiser
Donation protected
“The mind of a genius, the eyes of a child.”
This is a quote from a book Mikey and I recently read, Kalahari. In the book, the character was speaking of her mother but in our story, this is most definitely Mikey. Although there is no one in the world like Mikey, these characteristics are common among those who share his diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). ASD and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development that is characterized in varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, which are often accompanied with learning disabilities.
Those of you who know Mikey, know that he is incredibly kind, loving, and compassionate. His heart is pure and filled with a love for all people. Yet, he does not have any friends his own age. He is absolutely brilliant and loves to learn everything about anything including Greek Mythology, Science, History, Religion, Art, and everything in between. Yet, he is at great risk of “Aging Out” of school without a diploma. If this happens, Mikey will not fulfill his dream of going to college making it almost impossible for him to survive independently without public assistance. He deserves better than this. Everyone deserves better than this.
In 2015, Mikey and I formed a team, The Straw Hat Pirates, to support Autism awareness, research, early detection, and education. Mikey is our Captain.
This year we decided to focus our efforts locally because awareness and resources are exceptionally scarce here in the CSRA.
Young Professionals of Augusta is working to improve the lives of individuals in the CSRA touched by Autism. Each year YPA chooses a different charitable cause to support through the proceeds of its anniversary party. The proceeds from this year’s 9th annual party will be donated to support Autism programs.
Please help us make this year’s fundraiser for Autism the YPA's best by donating on behalf of The Straw Hat Pirates.
If you would like to sponsor the event please contact our dear friend and YPA President, Jason Blanchard.
Young Professionals of Augusta
PO Box 29 Augusta, GA 30903
www.ypaugusta.com
This is a quote from a book Mikey and I recently read, Kalahari. In the book, the character was speaking of her mother but in our story, this is most definitely Mikey. Although there is no one in the world like Mikey, these characteristics are common among those who share his diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). ASD and Autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development that is characterized in varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, which are often accompanied with learning disabilities.
Those of you who know Mikey, know that he is incredibly kind, loving, and compassionate. His heart is pure and filled with a love for all people. Yet, he does not have any friends his own age. He is absolutely brilliant and loves to learn everything about anything including Greek Mythology, Science, History, Religion, Art, and everything in between. Yet, he is at great risk of “Aging Out” of school without a diploma. If this happens, Mikey will not fulfill his dream of going to college making it almost impossible for him to survive independently without public assistance. He deserves better than this. Everyone deserves better than this.
In 2015, Mikey and I formed a team, The Straw Hat Pirates, to support Autism awareness, research, early detection, and education. Mikey is our Captain.
This year we decided to focus our efforts locally because awareness and resources are exceptionally scarce here in the CSRA.
Young Professionals of Augusta is working to improve the lives of individuals in the CSRA touched by Autism. Each year YPA chooses a different charitable cause to support through the proceeds of its anniversary party. The proceeds from this year’s 9th annual party will be donated to support Autism programs.
Please help us make this year’s fundraiser for Autism the YPA's best by donating on behalf of The Straw Hat Pirates.
If you would like to sponsor the event please contact our dear friend and YPA President, Jason Blanchard.
Young Professionals of Augusta
PO Box 29 Augusta, GA 30903
www.ypaugusta.com
Organizer and beneficiary
Donna Joyner
Organizer
Augusta, GA
Jason Blanchard
Beneficiary