4 Miles of Hope in Central Park: I Ran My 1st #NYRR Race

Today we ran our first race as a family. We've been members of the New York Road Runners club for years but really only The Husband runs. The Boy ran his first kids race earlier this year but me? I've never run a race. 

This wasn't just any race. This was the 1st New York Road Runners Autism Speaks Race. The Husband said I had to do it. Those were his exact words: You have to do this. 

Now I'm not the kind of woman to feel obligated to "have to do" anything, especially if my husband tells me. But this I knew I had to do.

I'm not a runner. I've never run four miles before. But it motivated me to go to the gym and really hit the treadmill. I got up to two miles. The most I've ever done.

Today I ran four. Okay, okay...I walked most of it. But I did it.

PROOF!

By mile 2, I was done. The Husband and his cousin had finished their race. They were waiting for me at the finish line. But my friend (and skilled runner) Rosa talked me through the whole 4 miles, encouraging me the whole time to keep going. I am so grateful. Had she not been with me, I really would have quit.

Rosa: Come on Lisa! You're almost there. We gotta hurry up or else we'll miss Norrin's race.

Me: I've seen him run before. (Towards the end, not even my kid could motivate me.)    

I didn't think anyone could be so chipper while running up and down the hills of Central Park. But Rosa, she was pretty chipper. Even while I was complaining and cursing The Husband for making me sign up to run 4 miles.   

Rosa aka "Coach Cookies" got me through it! Thank YOU! 

It was such a beautiful day in Central Park, the perfect day to spend with family and good friends. I feel extremely lucky that our friends came out to run in support of autism. They not only cheered me on but they cheered The Boy on.  

The Family That Runs Together Stays Together.
With "Uncle Julio," Rosa,  The Husband and The Boy

And then it was The Boy's turn. He did such an awesome waiting his turn and following the directions. He had his moments but all in all - he did great. I'm proud. This race was longer than the last. And I ran along beside him (that was the stretch that did me in). 

The Boy was so happy with his ribbon.

I didn't think I could do it. But The Husband believed I could. Belief is what keeps our little family going. Because we believe, we can never lose hope. 

And maybe, just maybe, I'll run again.

Maybe...He Has Autism

Autism Speaks has just launched a new campaign targeting the Latino community to raise awareness. And I am grateful. When The Boy was first diagnosed, I had no idea what autism was. I didn't think it could happen to us.

Earlier this week we "celebrated" our 5 year autism anniversary.

Five years ago there were so many maybes.

Maybe he's just being a boy.
Maybe I'm not doing enough.
Maybe he'll talk tomorrow. 
Maybe he's not ready. 
Maybe I'm worrying for nothing. 

There were too many maybes and too many people whispering them in my ear.

I started blogging because I could not see a family that looked like mine in any book I read. Autism, any kind of disability, isn't something Latinos openly talk about. We have been conditioned to be ashamed of it. To keep it to ourselves. We are scared of the label.

When The Boy was first diagnosed my mother couldn't believe it. "El no es asi," she said. (He is not like that.) And then she said that I shouldn't tell anyone. But it's important for parents to talk about. We need to feel like we are not alone.

We cannot expect communities to be accepting if we are not open. If you have any maybe in your head - go to your doctor, ask for a referral to a specialist. 


I don't always agree with Autism Speaks, I'm not looking for a cure for The Boy. I want him to be understood. I want our community to recognize the signs of autism. To accept it. And to get the services they need.

A Great #MothersDay Gift - Dee Ocleppo 3-in-1 Handbags

Last week I got attended the Moms4Moms Autism Speaks Mother's Day Luncheon. While I don't necessarily agree with all of Autism Speaks philosophies - specifically on finding a cure for autism - I do appreciate the opportunities they provide for families. Like partnering with The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Complex to host a Access Family Program.  Autism Speaks was one the first organization I turned to for guidance when The Boy was first diagnosed.

During the Moms4Moms luncheon, Autism Speaks honored one of their National Board Members: Dee Ocleppo, designer and mom to an autistic son. Dee graciously donated her signature 3-in-1 Handbags to be sold on the Autism Speaks online store.

Through the sale of the handbags, with an estimated value of close to $300,000, 100 percent of the proceeds fund the mission of Autism Speaks. The organization also announced its Mother’s Day special: each of the bags will be on sale from now until May 12 for $88 – representing the one in 88 children affected by autism. The special also includes free shipping until Mother’s Day.       

Free Shipping Code: MOMS4MOMS

All the moms received the Plaza Clutch Taupe/Quilted Taupe as a Mother's Day gift. It's versatile and chic and just my style. A great bag that can go with so many outfits. 

What do you think of my bag? I LOVE IT!

 

 

 Disclaimer: I received a complimentary bag by attending the Autism Speaks lunch. All opinions are my own.

Sundays In My City: The Intrepid

A few Sundays ago, we went to The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex . And we got a chance to see the Space Shuttle!  The Intrepid paired with Autism Speaks to host an Access Family Program - a special 2-hour program that includes educational story-telling and art making activities led by Intrepid employees.

The museum opens earlier for families affected by autism and are provided tours in small groups.  The tour guides are patient and understanding. They provided the families with prompts of what was going to happen next. Upon entering the Space Shuttle pavilion, the tour guide warned of the slight pop we'd get in our ears.

The Boy had a blast!  The Husband and I had a blast. We took a bunch of really cool pictures.  Especially of the Space Shuttle.  But a picture just doesn't do it justice.  It's something you need to see in person.   

Whenever someplace offers a sensory friendly program for special needs families - we always make it a point to attend. Often because of crowds and noise, we avoid these kinds of activities.  So to have these kinds of opportunities in our amazing City of New York is extremely important. It gives us confidence to venture out on a Sunday morning. We don't have to worry about who's looking because everyone around us, gets it. It allows us to go out and have an enjoyable, stress free family outing.

What sensory friendly activities are there in YOUR city?        

We made parachutes & a space shuttle!

The Intrepid created from LEGO Bricks

The next Family Access Program* at The Intrepid will be on Sunday, August 26th (9AM-11AM - Take Flight!). For more details click HERE.

*This program is free, but space is limited. To register, please contact access@intrepidmuseum.org or 646 381 5163.

Words With: Christina Mendez ~ Model, Mom, Advocate

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to talk with Christina Mendez.  If you follow the NYC hip hop fashion scene or are just a fashionista in general - you'll recognize her face.  I had seen her face before but it wasn't until I read her story on Latinas Inspire that I realized we shared a common bond.

We are both Latina (I'm Puerto Rican.  Christina is Dominican).  We both are native New Yorkers.  And, most importantly, we are both autism moms.  


You know in the first five minutes of talking to someone whether or not you click.  Within the first few minutes of talking to Christina, I knew we clicked. Especially when she said, "I'm hustling just like you." We both immediately understood each other.  We laughed like old girl friends.  Our "story" is similar is so many ways.  And we both want the same thing for our sons - acceptance, understanding and respect.     

*

When did you first realize there was something "wrong" with Damian?

I was young when I had Damian.  As a first time mom, I didn't realize.  I just thought that Damian was a late bloomer and that every child is different.

How did you/your family react to the diagnosis?

I was shocked.  At the time, Damian was enrolled in day care.  His teacher suggested we have Damian evaluated.  At 2 years old, Damian was diagnosed with severe autism.  Doctors and specialists told us Damian would never speak, read or write.  Damian was diagnosed in the mid 1990s, no one was really talking about autism the way they are now. 

The diagnosis was extremely difficult for Damian's dad.  He refused to believe it.  

As for my mother - she is in denial, even today.  She will never say that Damian is autistic. She says "he has problems."  But Damian is her baby, she spoils him.

What was your defining moment of acceptance?


Even though the diagnosis was a shock, I didn't go crazy over it.  I was at peace knowing and somehow I knew the diagnosis wasn't a death sentence.  


I remember during my senior year of high school - I was a bit of a wild child but in my last year - I had an internship working with autistic teenagers.  We were around the same age, but I was helping to take care of them and I just fell in love.  When Damian was diagnosed, I felt that God had prepared me for raising a child with autism.


How did you get involved with Autism Speaks?


I used to work for Verizon and was involved in the Hispanic Support Organization (Verizon employee group).  Every year we selected a charity to donate money.  The money we raised through the group, Verizon matched.  One year, we raised money for Autism Speaks and I developed a friendship with Jena Greco (Autism Speaks NYC Walk director).  


Do you think Latinos are as aware when it comes to Autism?


Not really.  I've been working with Autism Speaks for 6 years and there isn't an A-List Latino celebrity supporting the organization.  Autism isn't something Latinos openly talk about.  And I believe as a community, we need someone to say it's okay.  (Christina made reference to an article on SheKnows - Celebrities with Autistic Children)      

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a special needs mom?  

Seeing how far Damian has come.  They said he would never speak.  He now speaks both English and Spanish.  It's not always age appropriate - he still talks about Elmo - but he can communicate his needs and wants.  We never knew the progression was going to happen and it has.  Damian has worked really hard to get where he is - he's taught me so much.  He has taught me to appreciate the little things.  

   

Check out Christina and Damian -