OASISAUTISM....Worth It!

Okay....what an incredible weekend.

I want to thank each of you for coming to our event. Even though the weather and other activities that were happening that day....it was a successful event. Anytime we witness things happening in our families lives that are life changing....the number of those present does not matter.

I want to share with you a little of what I am talking about.
One of our families had a severe event happen during the Christmas time. Bob Kruse, one of our dads was in a terrible accident. For those of you who do not know the Kruse family...they were one of the first families to volunteer and have a team at our first walk. Bob bought gloves for each of us on that cold day and brought hot coco. His son has Aspergers and is an incredible kid. I remember Tracy sharing how Bob was doing...that at the time it was not good, yet their son was the one who got them through. He said, "Jesus told me daddy was going to be okay." This Saturday I saw Michael and he asked for a hat for himself and his dad. I looked over and saw Bob on his crutches standing on the track. At last years walk he was getting $20 for each lap he made. He was so dedicated....this Saturday was no different. The accident Bob endured was a head one collision with a parked truck. Saturday he was determine to make it around the track once. He did.

Another family who is very close to our hearts is Judy Marks. She is an incredible advocate and an incredible mom. It was really neat to see that side of her as we usually see the advocate. Her son was with her at the event. He is an awesome young man and Judy was so proud of him and made sure we all met him. ( I love that!) As you all know, Buddy Bike was there and allowed families to try a bike. Judy and Coty were one of those families. It was Coty’s first time riding. The only time he ever rode was in the halls for therapy. So, here was mom and son being able to ride.

I have more stories, yet just sharing those two make us continue to realize it is always worth it! No matter the weather, no matter the number...
Thank you all for being part of it. A place and time where our kids can come and run, ride a bike, jump in jumper, eat food...where families can relax and be a family. One time a year means a great deal, when it may not happen the other days of the year.

So, thank you....thank you for sharing in our day.

Something we are planning is starting a speical Buddy Bike fund where anyone can donate towards OASIS giving away a Buddy Bike once a year to a family who has a child on the Autism Spectrum. We have seen how this bike brings socialization, communication, builds self-esteem and confidence. If you are interested in giving to this special fund, please send your donations to:

OASIS
P.O. Box 405
Wooster, OH 44691
Please mark on your check: BUDDY BIKE FUND.

Soon our website will have a way for you to donate through paypal.

A Buddy Bike cost a bit over $1000.

Every OASIS Family would have a chance to win (once we have funds available) by an annual drawing on the basis of identifing those who could benefit by families writing and sharing their need and story.