For My Nephew Brock

OK, I have something that I feel is very important that I would like to chat with you about. If you are busy right now, please find about 5 minutes when you can come back to this post to read about my darling nephew Brock. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I'm trying to keep the info brief, but there just is so much to tell so here's the deal.

If you read this entire post (honor system!) and leave a comment on this post you will be entered into a drawing for one of three giveaways!

Thanks to Sew Sweet for donating a $15 store credit as one of the prizes Want more chances to win?

For 3 more entries Post a link on YOUR blog (take a button) that links back to THIS post.

AND/OR

For 5 more entries Privately email me your name and address so I can send (snail mail) you a pamphlet about Autism AND a FREE pattern for a table runner.

I will choose 3 winners on April 1st at 12:01am

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BROCK My seven year old nephew, Brock is Autistic. It is a delight to watch Brock as he simply enjoys life. I am very grateful for Brock, he has taught me personally to enjoy life at it's very basic level. To find joy in simple things, and be more aware of other's needs. I'm so grateful Brock is in our family to help teach my son Urban that there are people, like Brock, on this earth who are on Heavenly Father's special mission to teach us of our Father's compassion and basic love. Growing up with Brock, I hope Urban can love and accept all abilities. Brock has the most amazing parents. They are so loving, patient and invested in giving Brock and his brothers the all the opportunities needed for a happy life. Brock's twin brother, Brady is Brock's protector and probably Brock's best advocate. He knows Brock is different, but so is each member of his family and friends, just in different ways. Logan, Brock's younger brother doesn't notice that Brock is Autistic yet, he just sees him as an older brother to emulate. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AUTISM When Brock was 2 and 1/2 years old he was diagnosed with autism. Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Did you know that in America 42 states, including Utah, do not require that insurance companies cover medication, therapy, and other treatment options for autism?

Background on WAAD On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) to be celebrated April 2, 2008 (and every year there after). This UN Resolution is one of few official disease or disorder-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So, what am I going to do to help pass on and raise awareness for Autism?

On April 2nd I will have a few posts about Autism.

For each post, there will be a giveaway for reading the info.

There will be a post where handmade items made by me, my friends and my family members will be listed for sale. 100% of the proceeds will be donated for the reasearch of Autism. (less shipping in some cases)

Now here's several ways YOU can aid the research for Autism!

Donate an item(s) for my fundraiser Buy the items that have been generously donated Read more about Autism Donate to the Walk Now for Autism

Donate to my team for Walk Now for Autism 2009 Click to go to Walk Now for Autism donation page Walk takes place May 2, 2009 at the University of Utah Valley

EVERYONE who donates at least $10 to my team will receive one of my fabric bookmarks!

(donation must be received by April 24th to qualify)

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Thanks so much for reading the whole post!!

This is a special cause to me. Donations are welcomed throughout the year, but I will do a special event, such as this, on my blog just once a year.

Very sincerely,

Congratulations to Sherri, Melissa (Brock's mom!!) and Nanette! You are the winners of the giveaway for this post.