I am running the Marine Corp Marathon to support my little buddy, Chase Cooper and other children diagnosed with autism.  This beautiful story, as outlined by his beautiful mother, highlights the need to make progress on this diagnosis.  Let's raise some funds to make life easier for these amazing children!

"From the beginning Chase was special. Born at only 4.5 pounds full
term, he was a fighter. He met every early milestone with a smile, a
coo, a kiss, and a celebration. Chase had a smile and wave for
everyone on the street and sang songs in his crib until he fell
asleep. He was curious yet cautious, affectionate yet independent.
Friends and family used to rave about how sweet and smart Chase was,
and how he could play on his own for hours. "You are so lucky" they
would say...but a mother knows.


When Chase was between 18 months and 2 years, and started repeating
everything people said instead of speaking independent thoughts I was
reassured by friends, family and pediatricians that this is how they
learn and boys develop language slower.  "What a cute little parrot
you have" they would say.  But a mother knows...

When Chase stopped answering to his name, and would sit by himself,
singing the same song over and over not wanting to look you in the
eye, I was told how wonderful it is that he can entertain himself.
"He'll be a singer" they would say.  But a mother knows...

When Chase didn't want to walk on his whole foot, flapped his hands
when he was excited, cried when the wind was in his hair, and cowered
from the sounds of planes, helicopters, and vacuums I was reassured he
would grow out of it.  "It's normal" they would say.  But a mother
knows...


I spent countless nights lying awake with Dr. Google, palms sweating,
mind racing, and reading the signs of autism. Does he struggle to
understand people's feelings?  Yes. Does he perform repetitive
behaviors like hand flapping,
spinning or rocking? Yes. Have you ever wondered if your child has a
hearing problem because he isn't responding? Yes. Does he repeat
words or phrases that are said without independent thought? Yes.
Does he prefer to play alone? Yes. Does he have unusual or intense
reactions to various sounds, smells, tastes etc.? Yes. Does he like
to only play with one particular toy or group of toys? Yes...I knew in
my heart my
boy was special...because a mother always knows.

It took us nearly 3 years to have Chase evaluated and diagnosed with
Autism, and even then, friends and family promised the diagnosis was
wrong.  "He'll grow out of it" our family said. A second opinion by
one of the best in New York City confirmed the diagnosis and still it
was hard to believe.    But I knew...because a mother knows.

Chase undergoes intensive occupational, speech and
behavioral therapies since his diagnosis.  These therapies cost
families upwards of $60,000 a year and many times these costs are not
covered by standard health insurance policies.  Without these
therapies we would not know our special boy.  The world would not have
Chase's smiles, or his "I love you's," his stories, or his wisdom.
Every day raising a child with autism is a chance to improve their
world and allow them to improve ours but it is also a challenge and
struggle that costs countless hours and dollars.  Autism is not a
disease and there is no cure.  Nearly 1 in every 68 children and 1
in every 42 boys are affected by Autism in the U.S.  Together we can
change the lives of many children and help their families see their
special child.

Please consider contributing to raise funds and awareness for Autism
research and therapies."

- Jamie B. Cooper