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.

From the bottom of my heart: Thank You

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers, your hugs, wonderful comments, phone calls and all the love & support you have shown me and my family. It is because of God and the wonderful support we get from so many that we continue to grow stronger and stronger each day. It truly does mean a lot.  I have been so humbled by your compassion and it is truly incredible how many people have shared their own stories of how they have been affected by Autism.  That just goes to show that Autism is much more common than a lot of people think. I hope that, soon, the stigma attached to this will go away.

Once again, Thank You. All of You.