Dear Friends,
May 2006 marked the 11 year anniversary of
the day my family was introduced to The Son-Rise
Program®—changing our lives forever.
When my then 3-year- old son, Jache, was diagnosed
on the Autism Spectrum scale, I thought I
could now never have the relationship I had
envisioned as father and son. Because of The
Son-Rise Program® and the love and support
of the Autism Treatment Center of America™,
my life with Jache is more enriching than
any father-son relationship I can imagine!
I created Walk Around the
World in 2003, in hopes that other families
could have the gift of seeing opportunity
where it appeared that there were only overwhelming
challenges. I encourage each of you to help
the ever-increasing population of families
touched by Autism find hope and support by
serving as a team leader, walking or pledging
a donation to Walk Around the World today.
With sincerest appreciation
for any support you can give Son-Rise Program®
families worldwide,
Scott Sanes
Created
in 2003 by Scott Sanes, a parent whose child
has benefitted from The Son-Rise
Program®, Walk Around the
World is a one-day event to raise money to
help children and families affected by Autism.
The money raised provides scholarships to
families wishing to use this unique educational
intervention. This exciting event takes place
in many cities around the world including
San Francisco, New York City, London, Sydney,
Houston, Ontario, and many, many more!
Contact
Walk Around the World Manager
at 1-800-347-8063 ext. 587
Or
Email us at waw@option.org
“This was such a growing
experience. I have never planned anything like
this before. It was AWESOME to have such a wonderful
response from businesses donating merchandise
and prizes, and from the public calling and
emailing me to get involved. It made me aware
that Autism doesn’t just affect MY family—there
are MANY families in my community that are facing
the same challenges.
“In fact, one woman stopped me as I was
hanging directional signs to my walk, and she
pulled over on the shoulder of the road to ask
if she could still participate, even though
the event was the next day! I told her she was
definitely welcome, and to please bring her
son, who has Asperger’s.
“I had a book set out at registration
so walkers could write why they are participating,
and a young man named Marty wrote, ‘I
came because it is a good cause.’ He told
me that other than my son, he was the only other
person with Autism at the event. I told him
he was right—and that I was very glad
he came!
“THAT is why I did this Walk—so
these children can know that many people are
concerned for them, even though we haven’t
met yet.”
—Anna Wolke
Team Leader 2004
Son-Rise Program® Parent
Illinois
“The amazing news is my son, Jackson,
said his longest sentences ever during the walk.
One hundred percent unprompted, he walked up
to me and said, ‘I need to go to the bathroom.’
Loud and crystal clear—generalizing all
of his Son-Rise Program® playroom language
into meaningful communication. These are words
that he had never before put together on his
own. Also, he finished all of the 10K Walk by
himself, with an occasional request for a ‘piggyback
ride’ around mile 5. We happily obliged!
“We loved walking ‘with’ the
support of everyone around the world. Our thoughts
and prayers were with all of you!
“Best Wishes to you all.”
—Stephanie Philippi
Team Leader 2003
Son-Rise Program® Parent
Nebraska
“We had a wonderful walk here in Minnesota!
WE DID IT—and we ended up getting the
local newspaper interested in us, and they did
a story on us and the walk! Next year, they
promise to get the word out sooner. We are more
than happy to support the Autism Treatment Center
of America™, and we promise to do this
walk again next year. If nothing else, we have
gotten people to take notice, and so our journey
begins!! Thanks for the support!
“God Bless.”
—Diane Vrana
Team Leader 2004
Son-Rise Program® Parent
Minnesota
