Jeff Michaels

Dear Friend,

I want to thank everyone for their previous support, and I hope that you will support me again as I once Go the Distance for Autism by taking part in the 15 mile bike ride in support of my son Ryan and the REED Foundation.

Having a child with autism brings many challenges, and, in some ways, those challenges become more acute in adulthood.   Early in life one is focused on finding proper schools, therapists, and activities to help your child gain life skills.   These are concrete tasks to help our children learn and manage the behaviors that often come with the diagnosis of autism.   While it takes an army of skilled and caring people to help a child with autism excel to the best of their abilities, it does seem easier to tackle specific challenges than the larger question that comes with adulthood..."What will my child do with his/her life?"   

Since autism is a lifelong disability with no change in life expectancy, a parent needs to find a place where their adult child can live a happy and fulfilled life.     As the father of seven children, you just want all of your children to find happiness...but unlike typically developed children, with autism, you are 100% responsible for directing your child to where you think that happiness can be found.

I am happy to say that my son Ryan has found that place thanks to the REED Foundation.  

It has been a long road, but at 26 years old, Ryan lives in a new, beautiful four person supervised home in Glen Rock and attends the REED Next day program.   REED also provides terrific weekend outings, such as trips to museums, farms, and many other recreational outings.  In the past year, with the help of REED, Ryan has been able to get paid employment for the first time in his life.  Ryan has his own life that I am a part of, which is what we want for all our children.

Ryan's life might be different a child without the challenges of autism, but thanks to REED, it is a full life.  I visit Ryan regularly, take him to horseback riding and dinners, and I can see that he is happy and healthy. Ryan's safety and happiness can be attributed to the great support that the REED Foundation provides.

The numbers in the Autism community are large, but the availability of programs for our children as they reach adulthood are not able to keep pace.   It is a major reason why the REED Foundation has expanded from a school, to an adult day program and residential options.  As we know, fundraising is challenging in normal times, but virtual fundraising is even more challenging.  Please consider a donation that will allow current programs to expand, create new programs, and help others find similar successful path's for their children.

Thank you for your support.