From Fyonna Vanderwerf of Hive Muskoka:
Help me cross my fundraising finish line so I can reach my $5,000 goal and support Muskoka families who have inspired me to do this race.
I have taken the challenge to run the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon to support Autism Speaks. I am raising funds to help continue to eliminate barriers, ensure access to care, employment and housing, provide impactful solutions, and address the needs of autistic people across their life span. Will you help me reach my goal of $5,000 by September 20th?
As a person of service to others, I have long been a supporter and advocate to encourage movement of all kinds – from housing initiatives to food support and creating a safe, award-winning inclusive Hive gym, which has been featured by canfitpro, Impact magazine and CBC. The collaborative energy has led to local and national recognition.
What IS Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with people and the world around them. It can impact body language, posture, social interactions, education and relationships. Autism exists in all cultures, ethnicities, races, and gender identities. Being autistic means that your brain may process information differently than non-autistic, or neurotypical, people.
Autism exists on a spectrum, which means that while all people on the spectrum will experience some of the differences mentioned above, the degree to which each autistic person experiences them and the amount of support they need, will vary. 1 in 50 children and youth in Canada aged 1 to 17 years has been diagnosed.
Autism in the Muskoka community impacts so many. The highest prevalence of ASD was among those aged 5 to 11 years (1 in 40 or 2.5% [2.2, 2.8]), followed by those aged 12 to 17 years (1 in 53 or 1.9% [1.6, 2.2]) and those aged 1 to 4 years (1 in 91 or 1.1% [0.9, 1.4]).
More children are being diagnosed with autism than ever before. The rates may reflect a growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder and a focus on getting more children into treatment. Other factors including air pollution, low birth weight, and stress may also be behind the increase in diagnoses
It changes schooling, home life, family dynamics and employment. It is a misunderstood and socially stigmatized diagnosis. I know that because as a parent, I felt angry and frustrated when my son was diagnosed, and I recognized some of the symptoms from my own life patterns. It took me a long time to come to terms, and when I realized the long wait times, the impact the pandemic has had on behaviours and resilience, I wanted to find a way to raise awareness and funds. Hence Autism Speaks! And the Chicago Marathon!
Here’s a few ways to support my cause!
- Pledge an amount per km or mile
- Provide a 1-time donation, $15.00 and above is a tax credit
- Provide a corporate donation
- Offer a donation in the name of a family member or friend impacted
- Provide a donation in the name of a teacher/education provider that supports Autism in our community
- Register your child in Hive Muskoka’s Fall BeeHiving Fitness Programming this Fall-where we work through movement/strategies/ nutrition based on education principles and specific fitness strategies for spectrum – ages 10-14 (possible support available Children’s Foundation of Muskoka)
- Provide a silent donation item
- Enter one of the fundraisers being offered between August and October (advertised at Hive Muskoka/ fyonna Vanderwerf)
- Our most requested resource is the Autism Speaks 100 Day Tool Kit. It provides not only week-by-week guidance for what to do and who to contact in the first 100 days after receiving an autism diagnosis, but also vital information, worksheets, planners, medication trackers, and record keeping assets. Last year we provided more than 46,000 parents with this resource. A $25 donation can ensure that a family receives a printed copy of this informative and timely guide.
- CELEBRITY Trivia Night- Sat Night Aug 26th at HIVE Muskoka-show off your obscure knowledge of random famous people! $15.00/ person inc snacks!
- There is a table of FUNraising also at Hive Muskoka- mugs, clothing, scentzy and more with proceeds going to Autism Speaks. Thank you Jenn Rivers!
I can be reached at 705-706-2809/ [email protected] and at Hive Muskoka. Every Dollar Counts
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