Natalie's Dream Team - Overwhelmed with Gratitude

We did it! 

Natalie's Dream Team

Natalie's Dream Team participated in the
 'Walk Now For Autism Speaks' event on October 26.  It was a day full of fun and entertainment with an atmosphere of excitement.

I must admit that this was one of the best days of my life. Words seem impossible in times like these and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. 

Nothing Brings People Together Like Love and this event was a testament to that. 

I was both humbled and inspired by the great turn out!

Thank you to all of those that were there to support Natalie and our Family and to those that were not able to be there, I know you were there in spirit. 

Together, we are changing lives and helping children and individuals with autism, plus their families, thrive!

Marching along

Natalie's Dream Team started with a goal to raise $500 and a goal of 6 team walkers. But by October 26th we had raised $1,050 and had 39 walkers!

Natalie with big brother, mom and dad

It was an amazing time with family, friends and host families. A beautiful walk through the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie, Florida, 

where Our Brown-Eyed Girl, 

Natalie was the Star!  

Natalie with cousins and grandma

Early on I had decided that I wanted to record this incredible event by having a photographer capture all the moments before, during, and after the walk. I reached out to one of my local mommy support groups for references on good photographers for this type of venue. I was blessed to receive a a response from one very special mommy in this group who is also a photographer. She reached out to me and said that she too had been touched by Autism and wanted to donate her professional services to Natalie's Dream Team. Her name is Dani of Portraits by Dani and she was an incredible photographer and a lovely person. She took many photos and never complained about my numerous requests. She was such a trooper, taking the time to photograph individual families and walking along with us while snapping away with the camera. I can't wait to have those beautiful pictures and share them with all of you. But in the meantime, I have included pictures taken by family and friends.

Uncle was so proud to be carrying Natalie's banner

My family and I sincerely thank you for your love and support. 

We couldn't be more blessed having friends and family like you in our lives.

Why We Walk for Natalie's Dream Team

I decided that I will walk on October 26th as the Team Captain for Natalie's Dream Team because we want to raise funds to help Autism research and raise awareness, so that Natalie, and all of those individuals who are on the spectrum, can live in a more accepting world. 

We want to raise awareness for parents, like us, who have a child on the Autism Spectrum. We will walk for those families, like ours, who show so much strength and endurance on this bumpy road.  Somewhere out there, there are other parents who are dealing with this and might feel helpless like we first did. As parents of a child suffering from autism, we long for the day when our daughter will be in a position to tell us what she feels, what she thinks, what she wants and what she loves. Natalie inspires us to be a more loving, more patient family. She has taught us to enjoy the simpler things in life.  

She is a very special gift that we wouldn't trade for the world.

 And these are the reasons we will walk, not only to raise awareness, but to speak for all the 
children that can't speak-to fight for our brilliant star, our Brown-Eyed Girl, our Natalie. 

If you are interested in supporting our Walk for Autism Speaks, please click here

Thank you to our friends and family who have been there for us!

We love you Natalie!