Help Kristina raise money

We first heard of CAN after Liam was diagnosed with Autism. We were told they were a great community resource for children with Autism. Little did we know they were more than a resource, but a community that engulfed us with love and support. 

Before CAN, it was very difficult for Liam to engage in community activities. After a private lesson gone wrong, I began to worry about Liam having access to recreational activities without my husband or myself present. We began to feel very isolated and worried he would not have the same access or childhood experiences as his peers.

The first day we met CAN was in a school gymnasium for multi-sport. We were so nervous. As soon as we got to the doors we were greeted by warm smiles and soft but excited voices. They introduced Liam to his 1:1 support, and he was whisked away into a group of happy peers and support staff. When I arrived to pick him up, I held back tears as my very shy and quiet boy came running over to show me a ball he was playing with. A form of communication that was rare for my young boy. 

Flash forward to this summer, and I am picking up my once shy and quiet boy from his morning summer camp. He sees me and yells “Mom, watch this” as he hits a baseball off a tee across the field. “Look how far I hit it?” he yells. Familiar tears hit my eyes as I felt the relief and comfort of seeing my boy so confident and safe in his space. He has found his community and is thriving with peers and support from a community I never knew how badly I needed. 

Seeing how hard my boy (and his peers) work to engage with their community inspires me. If they can do all this hard work, then I will and can do my own hard work. This October will be the 2^nd race I do with RVM to raise money for Canucks Autism Network. This year I am joined by Liam’s Auntie Sadie, Uncle Richard and Aunty Jessica in the 8K. Even more exciting, I will be joining my strong confident boy, Liam in his first 1K run! 

 Without CAN, my son would not have the safe space he needs to gain the understanding, confidence and community to thrive. 

Thank you for support CAN. Thank you for supporting my son and all his fellow peers! 

WE LOVE CAN! 😊