Pursuit of Research strives to promote good nutrition from foods that provide essential nutrients for it’s therapeutic benefits, with an emphasis on those individuals with neurologically based impairments and conditions. Our primary function is to act as the fundraising entity of the CHERAB Foundation which is working to improve the communication skills, education, and advocacy of the verbally disabled.
At the core crowdFunnit brings people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Why Early Intervention when he’s just a late talker?
“We now know the earlier the intervention, the better the brain can reorganize.” Today, parents are generally told to look for signs of delay early, even in a baby’s first year, and seek help. No one should assume that a silent 2-year-old is a budding genius; silence may be a sign of hearing loss or a neurological disorder.”
All of us hear the same thing “just a late talker” which may be the case. However early intervention therapy is harmless -and it may stimulate your child to speak even sooner. If your child begins to speak fluently after two sessions -no more therapy! If your child does have a speech disorder vs a simple delay in speech, however -Early Intervention not only provides the child the best chance -it also could help prevent secondary behavioral or self-esteem problems due to frustrations from not being understood, or from being teased. And what if your late talker who is “so bright” and passes all developmental milestones on time or early ends up being apraxic? Apraxia, you may think…never heard of it -what are the odds?!
Not every late talker with a speech delay or disorder has apraxia -however, apraxia is not rare; many people just do not know the name or symptoms yet. The problem with this is that children with apraxia benefit greatly from early intervention. Apraxia does NOT self-resolve. The prognosis for a child with severe apraxia to one day speaks like everyone else is greater for a child who receives a diagnosis and appropriate therapy at 3, than that of a child who first receives a diagnosis and appropriate therapy at 6. So why are some children with apraxia diagnosed after early intervention years?
According to Dr. Diane Paul-Brown, director of clinical issues in speech-language pathology for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Rockville, Maryland, “We now know the earlier the intervention, the better the brain can reorganize.” Today, parents are generally told to look for signs of delay early, even in a baby’s first year, and seek help. No one should assume that a silent 2-year-old is a budding genius; silence may be a sign of hearing loss or a neurological disorder.”
This advice is based in part on studies showing that children with speech impairments are more likely to have reading and social problems later. Working with very young children, with malleable brain connections, may rewire defective connections. From the book Developmental Apraxia of Speech, by Hall, Jordan, and Robin, from”Working with Preschoolers Exhibiting DAS (Apraxia of Speech),” page 174:
“…Lohr (1978) stated that with her population of nonverbal clients with apraxia, ‘children who were younger when we began working with them progressed more rapidly’ (p. 6). Our experience has been that the overall outcome has been best for those children with DAS who were identified as possibly exhibiting DAS and received services as very young children…”
A parent with an essentially nonverbal child may search on the internet under the keywords “late talker”, “nonverbal”, “speech delay” or “delayed speech”, but unless they know the disorder called apraxia, they will not search under “apraxia” on the internet. Even worse, apraxia also goes by a bunch of other names that are used interchangeably, such as “dyspraxia,” “DAS,” “motor planning disorder,” etc. Additionally, the words neurologically based can be misleading to parents; most children with apraxia have above average intelligence, and parents may not believe that their non-verbal child who is SO intelligent can have a condition that may be neurologically based. In fact, nobody knows for sure where apraxia comes from. Hopefully, as awareness is raised, more research will be done to find out more about this frustrating and confusing condition called apraxia.
Of course, there are other factors to consider, aside from the age of identification, when making a prognosis of an apraxic child’s future success at communicating verbally. These include the severity of the apraxia, frequency, and appropriateness of therapy, attention level of the child, and parental involvement.
Lisa Geng is an accomplished author, mother, founder, and president of the CHERAB Foundation. She is a patented inventor and creator in the fashion, toy, and film industries. After the early diagnosis of her two young children with severe apraxia, hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and CAPD, she dedicated her life to nonprofit work and pilot studies. Lisa is the co-author of the highly acclaimed book “The Late Talker” (St Martin’s Press 2003). She has hosted numerous conferences, including one overseen by a medical director from the NIH for her protocol using fish oils as a therapeutic intervention. Lisa currently holds four patents and patents pending on a nutritional composition. She is a co-author of a study that used her proprietary nutritional composition published in a National Institute of Health-based, peer-reviewed medical journal.
Additionally, Lisa has been serving as an AAN Immunization Panel parent advocate since 2015 and is a member of CUE through Cochrane US. Currently working on her second book, “The Late Talker Grows Up,” she also serves as an executive producer of “Late Talkers Silent Voices.” Lisa Geng lives on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
William Morales’ birthday wish was to make a few friends. Thanks to crowdFunnit, William now has a whole community of friends.
It’s not just William, who is diagnosed with Autism, and his family who benefitted from his wish for friendship, locals and people from as far away as Daytona, Tampa and Miami came both in support of William or because they too find themselves in a similar situation, alienated or bullied by folks in their communities.
“It seemed like hundreds of thousands of people came out to wish William a happy 13th birthday” at the Port St. Lucie SuperPlayUSA with support from Duffy’s Sports Grill, Magnolia Cakes & Confections, the Port St. Lucie Police department and the Police Athletic League. “crowdFunnit was founded with the intent of bringing an awareness and an end to alienation and bullying in a proactive way,” said crowdFunnit founder Lisa Geng, a Port St. Lucie resident. “The acceptance, compassion, and friendships that happened for William and his family and those who have come to support or be supported have been amazing.”
Click the image below for the photo gallery
“I don’t want to make it about just my son,” said Tricia Morales, William’s mom. “I want to make it about all the kids who suffer like my son does.” This morale wove its way through the three-and-a-half-hour celebration which began with a police escort of hundreds of motorcycles, classic cars and even the Ghostbusters car filled with Ghostbusters. People came because of the message, that it’s ok to be different, that people care and that you are not alone. Local and national news media helped make the event such a success as well. Due to coverage of William’s crowdFunnit anti-bullying birthday party by Hometown news, the local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC news as well as Inside Edition, and People the message spread, with close to 1,500 birthday cards and letters arriving from across the country, quite a few expressing that they or their child is in the same situation as William.
A number of the parents that attended William’s crowdFunnit event broke down in tears expressing how their child was in the same situation as William. That impact even hit people that saw the coverage on TV. Mary Ramirez, whose 12-year-old son Christopher is very similar to William saw the TV news story in the days leading up to the event and was ecstatic to learn of the crowdFunnit mission. “When I saw William and his mother on TV, it hit me in a spot that I am very familiar with,” said Ramirez. “If it did that to me it probably did it to hundreds of others.”
William’s story didn’t just resonate with children. Robert Jalil, a member of the local Treasure Coast Cosplayers (TCC) group – individuals who come together dressed as famed book, movie and videogame characters and superheroes – wore his Starfleet Captain uniform from Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan. Jalil, who has Asperger’s, wept before the party started. “Being a part of that party meant the world to me especially speaking to William himself,” he said. “I was telling him how my past life was like when I was in school and I felt rejected. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I felt accepted by others and was so happy for William that he could find acceptance by others in the world so young”
[unitegallery William1]
Jo Starr, vice-president of the TCC said many of her group’s members had a personal interest in attending the crowdFunnit event, as so many feel alienated from what society considers the norm. The super heroes were in attendance to let all those who are bullied and alienated know they are worthy, amazing human beings. “But also it’s what it did for the members of my group,” said Starr. “making a difference when they feel different themselves. It lifted spirits.”
Due to the apparent need, crowdFunnit is currently planning a community event in the upcoming months in support of all those in need of friendship, as well as acceptance and compassion.
Inside Edition Coverage of William’s crowdFunnit Party
Videos About William’s crowdFunnit Party From Star Wars, Inside Edition, And More
According to Port St. Lucie Sergeant Richard Schichtal, Port St. Lucie prides itself on their reputation for being one of the safest cities in the state and country. “Bullying, by definition, doesn’t fit the definition of safety. This is why we get involved in community activities such as William’s crowdFunnit event because it pays off, resulting in a safer city, tolerant of differences.”
Isis Dale, one of those moved by the event but unable to attend sent a letter that sums up William’s crowdFunnit experience which read, “I believe you have friends everywhere, you just haven’t met them yet.”
It appears that 13-year-old William Morales has gotten that message since his crowdFunnit party he has a bright new world around him filled with friends and invitations to numerous upcoming parties and events. William is no longer being bullied or alienated at school and has even been asked to be a mentor to other children that need support. He stands with a confidence he never had before, smiling more often too. Thanks to crowdFunnit William’s birthday wish for friends came true!
Huge thanks go out to all who made William’s birthday celebration an event he will never forget. Amazing individuals and corporations who donated include Dream Ride, ACEing Autism, CAT5 Ghostbusters, Sony Pictures, Mandalorian Mercenaries, 501 Legion, Wise Up dance troupe, Mega DJs, Faces by Jenna, Party Creations 94.7 FM, Matthew Stover Media, Seven Bullwinkle Photography, Navy Seal Museum and Guardian Angels.
While crowdFunnit throws a birthday party for a child that is bullied or alienated, it’s not about one person, it’s about helping to foster acceptance and compassion for all people who feel alienated and bullied; educating, supporting and excepting our differences.
Since we’ve had a huge interest from people touched by our story who would like to attend a crowdFunnit event, we are currently planning one in Pennsylvania and one Florida in the next few months. The one in Florida will be for a group of children that are either bullied or alienated and in need of help. Again the need for this was apparent through William’s crowdFunnit event that may other children are in te same situation in need of a friend and some compassion. If your child is being bullied or alienated,please contact us for help. We also appreciate any donations to help us with our mission. We are a grassroots 100 percent volunteer 501(c)3 Any donation is appreciated. Thank you so much and keep updated by our Facebook page and website ❤
We love our Cherab Foundation Family and our supporters!! #asmileandavoice
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Not only is William friendless, but he is bullied. My heart is breaking at the questions my son asks me, “Am I weird mom?”, “Is there something wrong with me mom?” ~Tricia Falkenthal-Morales
Let’s let William know he’s worth getting to know! You are cordially invited to celebrate William’s 13th birthday party with him.
William and his family, SuperPlayUSA, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Magnolia Cakes, Port St Lucie Police Athletic League (PAL), ACEing Autism, along with the crowdFunnit team look forward to hosting you, extending the invitation to like-minded, kindhearted individuals to come out for a day of fun, food, friendship, games and of course a bowling themed birthday party.
William who is 12 years old and in the 7th grade has no friends and feels alone in the world.
William was a toddler when his parents started wondering – wondering if he really was different from the others and if his differences all added up to something. Phobia of loud noises. A strong dislike for crowds. Inability to socialize well with peers. Google searches always led William’s mom, Tricia Falkenthal-Morales, to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“I knew before his actual diagnosis that he was different,” said Tricia. She noticed different things about him as did a pre-school teacher. Testing by the schools resulted in negative results for any sort of formal diagnosis so they carried on as “normal” but life really wasn’t at all normal for William. “Denying something is wrong with your child is a disservice to them,” she said. Following her gut, she had him tested by a child neurologist who came to the same conclusion she did. “When you hear if from an actual doctor,” remembers Tricia, “I broke down. I said ‘let me get this out of my system.’” And then she was ready to face it head on.
Then came the bullying.
Doctors and psychologists have become the norm and William is now aware of his ASD diagnosis.
Unfortunately, bullying has become the norm as well. “I know words are harsh but you ignore stupidity,” Tricia often tells him.
Then the bullying became physical. When a few boys at his school knocked him down in the hall, then kicked him, William’s first stop was to tell his teacher. “I didn’t see it so there is nothing I can do about it,” was her response. Luckily for William video footage brought the event to the attention of school officials and punishment ensued.
However, the humiliation and hurt linger. When his mom drives William to school he cries and begs her to let him stay home.
William is amazingly talented at Lego creations. He can sit down and an hour later comes out with a Lego ship or Lego zombie city. He loves cats, but unfortunately, he’ll have to get rid of his pet cat, because his grandmother will be moving in and she is highly allergic to cats.
William loves to play his x-box, however, aside from his sisters Kayla and Danielle, and three online friends William plays with via his Xbox, he doesn’t have any friends in real life, which is what crowdFunnit hopes to change.
Through crowdfunnit, Tricia’s hope for William’s upcoming 13th birthday is simple: For people to attend and bring children, including those who are just like him, to show him that people do care about him, that there are people out there who are compassionate, and that not everyone is a bully. “Please help my boy smile.”
Videos About William’s crowdFunnit Party From Star Wars, Inside Edition, And More
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Since we’ve had a huge interest from people touched by our story who would like to attend a crowdFunnit event, we are currently planning one in Pennsylvania and one Florida in the next few months. The one in Florida will be for a group of children that are either bullied or alienated and in need of help. Again the need for this was apparent through William’s crowdFunnit event that may other children are in te same situation in need of a friend and some compassion. If your child is being bullied or alienated,please contact us for help. We also appreciate any donations to help us with our mission. We are a grassroots 100 percent volunteer 501(c)3 Any donation is appreciated. Thank you so much and keep updated by our Facebook page and website
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
A message below about how CrowdFunnit got started!
“There were many times that I felt unsafe and that I did not belong. This made me very depressed. I was often left out and an easy target for bullying. This led me to be more depressed and suicidal. Yes, I’m different but doesn’t mean you have to treat me differently.” – Kayla Baylor
It’s not easy to feel isolated in the world when you just want to have friends you can go to the mall with like others your age, so Kayla Baylor has dedicated her 17th birthday party as a salute to end bullying and alienation. As far as she is concerned, 17th birthday in, bullying and alienation out. Bikers Against Bullies will be joining crowdFunnit to support Kayla and the cause.
“The bullying started early on for Kayla, and wasn’t limited to other children,” says her mom JoAnn Colaneri. “There have been teachers, neighbors, and peers who repeatedly called her names like ‘stupid’, ‘weirdo’ or ‘retarded’.” Because Kayla is biracial she’s also experienced racial bullying and alienation from those who don’t believe she’s white, or black enough.
Kayla had health issues as early as 4 months old. Early seizures as the results of an unexplained breath holding issue led to the need for a pacemaker just before her 3rd birthday. At age 8 she was diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Early intervention helped with some of the deficits, however, it was clear as early as age 2 that she was different than her preschool peers. While other children collected dolls, Kayla’s collection of specialists grew with each year, growing to 17 specialists including a cardiologist, pulmonologist, and neurologist.
Early elementary school and special education activities provided Kayla with a social outlet, but as she aged, socialization and friendships became profoundly more difficult.
Her differences put her in a unique situation where she is too high-functioning for special education but too low-functioning to be with her peers. The same conundrum follows her into sports where her love of baseball was squashed as teammates made fun of her. It’s like she’s in her own bubble.
Age 13 to 17, which is hard for any teenager, has been particularly difficult for Kayla due to her unique cognitive abilities and the incessant bullying. Not only is she affected by the bullying directed towards her, but also that of a lower functioning peer in her class, who doesn’t have the cognitive ability to know kids are bullying her.
The combination of it all is tearing Kayla apart.
The stress and depression became so intense that her family had her hospitalized for a week in a psychiatric unit. “I can’t handle being different and I can’t handle being by myself in life. I just want to be a normal person. I don’t fit in. I don’t belong,” she tells her mother when she’s at her lowest.
From comments on social media, taunts from school peers, sneering school administers who call child protective services to her house each time her mother calls to report school bullying and neighbors who physically accost her, Kayla’s faith in society is waning. While other teens she volunteers with at the Ronald McDonald House discuss fashion trends, her attempts as a 16-year-old to join the conversation include her favorites, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Barney. We can all image just how this plays out.
Most recently the anxiety has gotten so bad that Kayla often vomits before leaving the house, and in addition, she has had an increase of anxiety-based pseudo seizures so severe that she landed her back in the hospital.
Kayla is fully and painfully aware that she has a difficult time bonding with peers. She finds solace in the company of her little sister Brianna, her big brother Russell, and her service dog, Abby, who is currently battling cancer. Pouring through her headphones are tunes from Old School Motown to Michael Jackson; country music favorites Toby Keith and Luke Bryan, to the dark side of life including Black Veil Bride and Avenged Sevenfold. The bullying at school is to such an extreme that it is now written into her Independent Education Program (IEP) that she be permitted to don her headphones whenever necessary while on campus to ease the anxiety from all the taunting.
Kayla likes to say,” Everyone is unique. You have to take your own individual talents and run with them.” It’s a reminder to herself but doesn’t make life any easier, or make her any less lonely.
Here’s a quote from a speech that Kayla wrote, “There were many times that I felt unsafe and that I did not belong. This made me very depressed. I was often left out and an easy target for bullying. This led me to be more depressed and suicidal.” Full speech is here
However many times Kayla has been knocked down, with the help of her family and doctors, she rises up again. One avenue of strength is her participation in pageants which offer women with disabilities the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Miss Amazing, Precious Gem Mentor and Pure International are just a few in which she can be seen raising her own crown against bullying. She’s an advocate for autism, special needs and suicide prevention, as she is no a stranger to any of these groups.
Kayla’s speech at the Dare To Dream conference
While she loves to help others, she also wants the simple joys of childhood for herself. “I want to go to a sleepover. I’m never going to know what it’s like to go to the prom or what it’s like to hang out with a bunch of friends,” she tells her mom.
Kayla is on cloud 9 about her crowdFunnit party – not just because it’s a party for her, but because of the anti-bullying message being sent out to the community.
The potential her crowdFunnit birthday party will have on her community, bringing together individuals who will accept her for who she is, thrills her. Equally important to her is her hopethat this party will bring awareness to bystanders who generally stand idle who will instead choose to step in to help protect her and others from bullying.
For those that are not able to attend, Kayla loves receiving and opening mail. If you would like to send a card or a gift, Kayla’s favorite color is red. You can find her “Amazon wish list here” If you want to send Kayla a card or a gift for her 17th birthday party, mail to:
Beyond her 17th birthday and hopefully finding friends that love and accept her for who she is, Kayla hopes to realize her dream of going to college to either become a special needs advocate or a pediatric nurse.
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Early word of the party touched Franklin County Sergeant Joshua Mason of the K9 Patrol Division so much that he and his trusted buddy, a Shepard/Mali mix named Spike, have offered to stop by for a visit. As a combat veteran, Sergeant Mason knows the wonderful potential of therapeutic animals. “It really means a lot to me to see the joy my dog brings to people so I love to do it,” he said.
Maggie was born with two holes in her heart. Whereas one has closed, the other is filled with so much love it spills out into her daily life. However, despite her close relationship with family and caretakers, Maggie, who turns 16 in February, has never had a real birthday party with friends. Too many immunity issues keeps her indoors during the cold and flu season says her mom Robin, and away from large crowds and comradery. Simply put Maggie has lots of people who love her, but no true friends of her own.
Birth brought a lot of medical discoveries for Maggie’s parents and her older brother Matthew, seven years her senior. Born with Down syndrome, it was also revealed at birth, that in addition to her heart issues, Maggie had hearing loss in both ears, thyroiditis and chronic insomnia, and at age four, came the additional diagnosis of autism. Due to her compromised immune system she is home schooled. “Our goal is make her as independent as possible,” says her mom, but at the same time she requires 24/7 care. As she came of age, it also became apparent that Maggie is mostly nonverbal.
Nonverbal, however, does not mean non-communicative. When not speaking with her eyes and her heart, a Dynavox (an alternative communication device) serves as her voice.
When people learn about Maggie, they start apologizing that she has it so rough. Robin’s modus operandi is to turn that around and help educate people on special needs. “I even find myself educating the educators,” she added. “Very few times do people come up to Maggie and engage her. Often people will just stand and stare at her. They know something is different, but they are not exactly sure what’s going on and they refrain from engaging with her.” As a result, Maggie spends much of her life as an observer, watching other people live theirs.
We are looking to raise 275 towards basic party supplies and to contribute to the non-profit 501 (c) 3 Healing Strides of Virginia which is both hosting her birthday party, and has given Maggie so much therapy and fun over the years. Every dollar helps and any money over our goal can also go to help others in need of support. Please contribute here.
At almost 16, Maggie has a childlike disposition, maintaining a strong interest in Barney and Blue’s Clues, Elmo and My Little Pony. Her Chihuahua, Cookie, serves as her constant companion and when not out on her VW dune buggy, a creation of her dad’s interest and imagination, she spends time at Healing Strides of Virginia, a therapeutic horse-riding facility where Robin works as a behavior therapist. Professional photographer Teresa Bernard, of Studio Bellevisage will be there to capture the festivities.
Robin’s hope for Maggie’s crowdFunnit birthday party is to open the hearts of community members and bring together like-minded individuals to share in a day of activities and comradery. Everyone is welcome to share in the festivities wishing Maggie a 16th birthday to remember. Please RSVP here
For those that are not able to attend, Maggie loves receiving and opening mail. If you would like to send a card or a gift, Maggie’s favorite colors are pink, light pink, and purple. You can find her Amazon “wish list here”If you want to send Maggie a card or a gift for her sweet 16 birthday party, mail to:
Maggie Mays Birthday C/O Virginia Office Supply 160 Franklin St # C, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to brings people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Josie Eugenie got just what she wanted for her birthday, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Dozens of people came together to help her celebrate her 24th birthday; thoughtful, kind individuals and families accepting of a world where not everyone is the same.
Before Josie’s crowdFunnit birthday party she had expressed, “Being Autistic I’ve always had difficulty making and keeping friends. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not really worth getting to know” So much has changed since then.
Not only was the party a celebration of Josie but it served as a celebration against alienation and bullying. Many thanks go out to the Portland community for helping crowdFunnit™ and the support staff at RISE Family Services make this day happen, as well as:
Josie grew up on the autism spectrum in addition to having a rare progressive connective tissues disorder called Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Despite her family’s efforts, she never had a traditional birthday party many of us take for granted.
“Being autistic, I’ve always had difficulty making and keeping friends. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not worth getting to know,” Josie said. “To me, birthdays should always be a big deal, no matter if you’re 1 or 8 or 15 or 37, 62 or 103! Birthdays are a marker of your life; you’ve made it another year, a little older, a little wiser.”
But on October 1, 2016 Josie enjoyed the presence (and presents!) of many people of all ages, many dressed in Lord of the Rings costumes, a personal favorite of Josie’s.
“My mom and my grandparents… strived really hard over the years to make my birthday special, but the friend aspect was not so much. So it was mostly just my family,” she said.
Also a very special thank you to the The Rose City Rollers Roller Derby Team (the Wreckers) at Josie’s crowdFunnit Party who gifted Josie with roller skates and a basket full of other goodies!
Josie has learned that roller skating in addition to being fun, is an easier and less painful way for her to get around than walking. In addition she’s been embraced by the Rose City Rollers Derby Team. cheers them on when she’s not skating, and she’s super happy with all her new friends!
Quote from Josie
” I made a lot of new friends, mostly from the roller derby girls, I’m actually going to take their derby 101 class. They donated a pair of skates and some super protective knee pads/shin guards to keep me safe.
I discovered i’m an ok skater(haven’t fallen yet! and I’ve been 3 times in the last week-ish)
I’m actually in less pain skating then I am walking(which is apparently not uncommon with people with EDS)”
Josie was nominated to crowdFunnit by Laura Wolfenson, a RISE Family Services Coordinator. crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation helps to bring awareness about differences to those that are bullied or alienated, while fostering acceptance, compassion, and friendship through open-invite birthday parties. As word got out about her party, friends and strangers arrived to celebrate, making up for the parties Josie never had.
“I’ve never seen her smile as big as she is now, part of the reason I get teary eyed,” said Wolfenson. “Lots of love, lots of people… it’s really amazing.”
“Being Autistic I’ve always had difficulty making and keeping friends. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not really worth getting to know” -Josie Eugenie
Let’s let Josie know she’s worth getting to know! You are cordially invited to celebrate Josie’s 24th birthday party with her.
There is no admission cost to Josie’s party, enjoy the food, drinks, and birthday cake, however, all that attend will be able to purchase a discount deluxe ride bracelet for $10. The deluxe ride bracelet provides unlimited midway rides from 12 till 7 PM, and a roller skating session with conventional skates. Celebrate Josie’s birthday and stay as long as you want after to enjoy Oaks Amusement Park!
Josie loves Lord Of The Rings and is requesting a LOTR costume party. Optional if you want, show up in your favorite LOTR attire!
We are looking to raise 275 towards basic party supplies and a quiet sensory area that’s away from the excitement, in case Josie or any of the attendees with sensory processing disorder gets overwhelmed. Every dollar helps and any money over our goal can also go to help others in need of support. Please contribute here.
Josie was born with a rare progressive connective tissues disorder called Ehlers Danlos syndrome, and autism. However the only thing on her mind right now is her upcoming 24th birthday. This year, like all others, she just wants to celebrate with a big party full of friends and family. Unfortunately, since she’s started school, no matter how many people she invited, only her mom and grandparents, and an occasional cousin or friend of her mother attended.
Josie said, “After my 18th birthday, when I tried to give it one last go and have a big luau themed party and invited tons of people, only my grandmother, mom and one of my mom’s friends showed up. The disappointment of having NOBODY you personally invited to your birthday was too much. They either gave excuses, or didn’t even bother responding. It was heartbreaking. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not really worth getting to know.”
In spite of her age, Josie has a sweet childlike aura. She loves Disney, Pixar, dinosaurs, getting mail, anything Lord of the Rings related, and going to the zoo and amusement park. Her favorite animal is a giraffe. She also loves birthday parties even though she hasn’t had one with friends since school age. Josie says, “To me birthdays should always be a big deal, no matter if you’re 1 or 8 or 15 or 37, 62 or 103! Birthdays are a marker of your life; you’ve made it another year, a little older, a little wiser.”
Josie is also wise beyond her years, and doesn’t let her disabilities stand in her way. She is an avid artist, animal lover, creative dreamer and outdoor enthusiast. She lends her voice in support of all people with disabilities, educating people on what it’s like for her and others, hoping they can see past differences by bringing awareness to life with a disability. She says, “I like being autistic because it means I see things non-autistics never see. But at the same time it means that I’m not like most people which makes people not want to be friends with me. They can’t see past my differences which is such a shame really because the most amazing people I’ve met are the people who, like me, are different. I game online because when you play games online people tend to look past differences and focus on just having fun.
I also enjoy playing board games (I’m good at monopoly!), and games that are played at summer camps, I like a few card games too (cards against humanity is my favorite). I like to play with toys even though I’m “too old” I especially like building type toys like wooden train sets and lego’s and blocks.”
Even though Ehlers Danlos syndrome has taken away some of Josie’s freedom and mobility, her enthusiasm for life persists. A new handcycle attached to her wheelchair allows her to continue walks in the park. As Josie says, “I used to love to hike but it’s too hard for me to do now even with my AFO braces, so I just go to parks with my support workers and enjoy being outside, and swinging when there’s a swingset. I love to swim, and I love going to occupational therapy (even though sometimes it’s hard)”
In the same vein, even though autism has affected some of Josie’s communication skills, her iPad communication program Speak For Yourself ACC assists her in communicating with others from time to time when she gets overwhelmed or is in a large crowd. Josie also uses communication cards she has made up to share when people are sometimes rude to her in public because they don’t understand her. She makes communication cards for others that need them too.
Josie was nominated by Laura Wolfenson, a RISE Family Services Coordinator, to crowdFunnit, a project of the nonprofit Cherab Foundation. crowdFunnit helps to bring awareness about differences to those that are bullied or alienated, while fostering acceptance, compassion, and friendship through open-invite birthday parties. Our program typically only goes up to 18 but we were so touched by Josie’s story we just had to make an exception.
Laura, who has been working with Josie for just over a year says, “She’s a great advocate for all individuals with disabilities including herself. She’s definitely someone who goes above and beyond to make sure people in the community are aware of what it’s like for her on a daily basis living with a disability and bring awareness to people that there are others like her.”
We hope to throw Josie the party of her dreams, and for her to receive a new gaming computer, in front of a crowd of well-wishers is a memory that will dissolve all those disappointing birthdays, when no one showed up.
As one who is more comfortable offering help than taking it, Josie’s remarkable nature and big heart will leave an impression on you because she represents what’s good in our world.
Together we can help Josie enjoy the simple pleasure all children deserve, but that she only dreams of experiencing, a happy birthday with friends. You and your family are invited to help make this dream come true.
For those that are not able to attend, Josie loves receiving and opening mail. She loves when her mom and grandmother mail her birthday cards instead of handing them to her, because those are typically the only two cards she gets each year on her birthday. We are hoping that this year she’ll get a few more. You can mail birthday cards to Josie Eugenie through her service coordinator Candice Gage who works for Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities.
County DD
Josie’s Birthday C/O Candice Gage
2051 Kaen Rd.
Oregon City, OR 97045
If you would like to send a gift, Josie’s favorite colors are purple, light blue and light pink. You can find her Amazon “wish list” here and you can also mail them to Josie in care of her service coordinator Candice Gage.
Consumers United for Evidence-Based Healthcare (CUE) is a national coalition of health and consumer advocacy organizations committed to empowering consumers to make the best use of evidence-based healthcare (EBHC).
Posted: November 8, 2017 by lisa
Pursuit of Research
Pursuit of Research strives to promote good nutrition from foods that provide essential nutrients for it’s therapeutic benefits, with an emphasis on those individuals with neurologically based impairments and conditions. Our primary function is to act as the fundraising entity of the CHERAB Foundation which is working to improve the communication skills, education, and advocacy of the verbally disabled.
Posted: November 8, 2017 by lisa
CrowdFunnit
At the core crowdFunnit brings people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Posted: October 10, 2017 by lisa
Why Early Intervention?
Why Early Intervention when he’s just a late talker?
All of us hear the same thing “just a late talker” which may be the case. However early intervention therapy is harmless -and it may stimulate your child to speak even sooner. If your child begins to speak fluently after two sessions -no more therapy! If your child does have a speech disorder vs a simple delay in speech, however -Early Intervention not only provides the child the best chance -it also could help prevent secondary behavioral or self-esteem problems due to frustrations from not being understood, or from being teased. And what if your late talker who is “so bright” and passes all developmental milestones on time or early ends up being apraxic? Apraxia, you may think…never heard of it -what are the odds?!
Not every late talker with a speech delay or disorder has apraxia -however, apraxia is not rare; many people just do not know the name or symptoms yet. The problem with this is that children with apraxia benefit greatly from early intervention. Apraxia does NOT self-resolve. The prognosis for a child with severe apraxia to one day speaks like everyone else is greater for a child who receives a diagnosis and appropriate therapy at 3, than that of a child who first receives a diagnosis and appropriate therapy at 6. So why are some children with apraxia diagnosed after early intervention years?
According to Dr. Diane Paul-Brown, director of clinical issues in speech-language pathology for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Rockville, Maryland, “We now know the earlier the intervention, the better the brain can reorganize.” Today, parents are generally told to look for signs of delay early, even in a baby’s first year, and seek help. No one should assume that a silent 2-year-old is a budding genius; silence may be a sign of hearing loss or a neurological disorder.”
This advice is based in part on studies showing that children with speech impairments are more likely to have reading and social problems later. Working with very young children, with malleable brain connections, may rewire defective connections. From the book Developmental Apraxia of Speech, by Hall, Jordan, and Robin, from”Working with Preschoolers Exhibiting DAS (Apraxia of Speech),” page 174:
“…Lohr (1978) stated that with her population of nonverbal clients with apraxia, ‘children who were younger when we began working with them progressed more rapidly’ (p. 6). Our experience has been that the overall outcome has been best for those children with DAS who were identified as possibly exhibiting DAS and received services as very young children…”
A parent with an essentially nonverbal child may search on the internet under the keywords “late talker”, “nonverbal”, “speech delay” or “delayed speech”, but unless they know the disorder called apraxia, they will not search under “apraxia” on the internet. Even worse, apraxia also goes by a bunch of other names that are used interchangeably, such as “dyspraxia,” “DAS,” “motor planning disorder,” etc. Additionally, the words neurologically based can be misleading to parents; most children with apraxia have above average intelligence, and parents may not believe that their non-verbal child who is SO intelligent can have a condition that may be neurologically based. In fact, nobody knows for sure where apraxia comes from. Hopefully, as awareness is raised, more research will be done to find out more about this frustrating and confusing condition called apraxia.
Of course, there are other factors to consider, aside from the age of identification, when making a prognosis of an apraxic child’s future success at communicating verbally. These include the severity of the apraxia, frequency, and appropriateness of therapy, attention level of the child, and parental involvement.
LISA GENG
Lisa Geng is an accomplished author, mother, founder, and president of the CHERAB Foundation. She is a patented inventor and creator in the fashion, toy, and film industries. After the early diagnosis of her two young children with severe apraxia, hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and CAPD, she dedicated her life to nonprofit work and pilot studies. Lisa is the co-author of the highly acclaimed book “The Late Talker” (St Martin’s Press 2003). She has hosted numerous conferences, including one overseen by a medical director from the NIH for her protocol using fish oils as a therapeutic intervention. Lisa currently holds four patents and patents pending on a nutritional composition. She is a co-author of a study that used her proprietary nutritional composition published in a National Institute of Health-based, peer-reviewed medical journal.
Additionally, Lisa has been serving as an AAN Immunization Panel parent advocate since 2015 and is a member of CUE through Cochrane US. Currently working on her second book, “The Late Talker Grows Up,” she also serves as an executive producer of “Late Talkers Silent Voices.” Lisa Geng lives on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Posted: September 1, 2017 by CrowdFunnit
crowdFunnit Grants William’s Birthday Wish
It’s not just William, who is diagnosed with Autism, and his family who benefitted from his wish for friendship, locals and people from as far away as Daytona, Tampa and Miami came both in support of William or because they too find themselves in a similar situation, alienated or bullied by folks in their communities.
“It seemed like hundreds of thousands of people came out to wish William a happy 13th birthday” at the Port St. Lucie SuperPlayUSA with support from Duffy’s Sports Grill, Magnolia Cakes & Confections, the Port St. Lucie Police department and the Police Athletic League. “crowdFunnit was founded with the intent of bringing an awareness and an end to alienation and bullying in a proactive way,” said crowdFunnit founder Lisa Geng, a Port St. Lucie resident. “The acceptance, compassion, and friendships that happened for William and his family and those who have come to support or be supported have been amazing.”
Click the image below for the photo gallery
“I don’t want to make it about just my son,” said Tricia Morales, William’s mom. “I want to make it about all the kids who suffer like my son does.” This morale wove its way through the three-and-a-half-hour celebration which began with a police escort of hundreds of motorcycles, classic cars and even the Ghostbusters car filled with Ghostbusters. People came because of the message, that it’s ok to be different, that people care and that you are not alone. Local and national news media helped make the event such a success as well. Due to coverage of William’s crowdFunnit anti-bullying birthday party by Hometown news, the local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC news as well as Inside Edition, and People the message spread, with close to 1,500 birthday cards and letters arriving from across the country, quite a few expressing that they or their child is in the same situation as William.
A number of the parents that attended William’s crowdFunnit event broke down in tears expressing how their child was in the same situation as William. That impact even hit people that saw the coverage on TV. Mary Ramirez, whose 12-year-old son Christopher is very similar to William saw the TV news story in the days leading up to the event and was ecstatic to learn of the crowdFunnit mission. “When I saw William and his mother on TV, it hit me in a spot that I am very familiar with,” said Ramirez. “If it did that to me it probably did it to hundreds of others.”
William’s story didn’t just resonate with children. Robert Jalil, a member of the local Treasure Coast Cosplayers (TCC) group – individuals who come together dressed as famed book, movie and videogame characters and superheroes – wore his Starfleet Captain uniform from Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan. Jalil, who has Asperger’s, wept before the party started. “Being a part of that party meant the world to me especially speaking to William himself,” he said. “I was telling him how my past life was like when I was in school and I felt rejected. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I felt accepted by others and was so happy for William that he could find acceptance by others in the world so young”
[unitegallery William1]Jo Starr, vice-president of the TCC said many of her group’s members had a personal interest in attending the crowdFunnit event, as so many feel alienated from what society considers the norm. The super heroes were in attendance to let all those who are bullied and alienated know they are worthy, amazing human beings. “But also it’s what it did for the members of my group,” said Starr. “making a difference when they feel different themselves. It lifted spirits.”
Due to the apparent need, crowdFunnit is currently planning a community event in the upcoming months in support of all those in need of friendship, as well as acceptance and compassion.
Inside Edition Coverage of William’s crowdFunnit Party
Videos About William’s crowdFunnit Party From Star Wars, Inside Edition, And More
According to Port St. Lucie Sergeant Richard Schichtal, Port St. Lucie prides itself on their reputation for being one of the safest cities in the state and country. “Bullying, by definition, doesn’t fit the definition of safety. This is why we get involved in community activities such as William’s crowdFunnit event because it pays off, resulting in a safer city, tolerant of differences.”
Isis Dale, one of those moved by the event but unable to attend sent a letter that sums up William’s crowdFunnit experience which read, “I believe you have friends everywhere, you just haven’t met them yet.”
It appears that 13-year-old William Morales has gotten that message since his crowdFunnit party he has a bright new world around him filled with friends and invitations to numerous upcoming parties and events. William is no longer being bullied or alienated at school and has even been asked to be a mentor to other children that need support. He stands with a confidence he never had before, smiling more often too. Thanks to crowdFunnit William’s birthday wish for friends came true!
Huge thanks go out to all who made William’s birthday celebration an event he will never forget. Amazing individuals and corporations who donated include Dream Ride, ACEing Autism, CAT5 Ghostbusters, Sony Pictures, Mandalorian Mercenaries, 501 Legion, Wise Up dance troupe, Mega DJs, Faces by Jenna, Party Creations 94.7 FM, Matthew Stover Media, Seven Bullwinkle Photography, Navy Seal Museum and Guardian Angels.
While crowdFunnit throws a birthday party for a child that is bullied or alienated, it’s not about one person, it’s about helping to foster acceptance and compassion for all people who feel alienated and bullied; educating, supporting and excepting our differences.
Since we’ve had a huge interest from people touched by our story who would like to attend a crowdFunnit event, we are currently planning one in Pennsylvania and one Florida in the next few months. The one in Florida will be for a group of children that are either bullied or alienated and in need of help. Again the need for this was apparent through William’s crowdFunnit event that may other children are in te same situation in need of a friend and some compassion. If your child is being bullied or alienated, please contact us for help. We also appreciate any donations to help us with our mission. We are a grassroots 100 percent volunteer 501(c)3 Any donation is appreciated. Thank you so much and keep updated by our Facebook page and website ❤
We love our Cherab Foundation Family and our supporters!! #asmileandavoice
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Posted: August 26, 2017 by CrowdFunnit
William Post Party Media
Pre party:
WPTV:
http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/port-st-lucie-boy-on-the-autism-spectrum-just-wants-friends-to-show-up-at-his-birthday-party
WPBF:
http://www.wpbf.com/article/community-invited-to-birthday-party-for-port-st-lucie-child/12016280
Post Party:
WPTV:
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/boy-on-autism-spectrum-gets-superhero-birthday-party&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwjmyZSjzvLVAhUizoMKHcNPAOoQFggIMAE&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHerGT2v_Rcb0G-oVFscImQ07a0hA
Inside Edition:
http://www.insideedition.com/videos/14957-superheroes-show-up-to-13-year-olds-birthday-party-to-help-fight-bullying
People:
http://people.com/human-interest/bullied-boy-with-aspergers-syndrome-gets-a-huge-birthday-party-thrown-in-his-honor/
Posted: July 8, 2017 by CrowdFunnit
William Morales’ 13th Birthday Party Invitation
Let’s let William know he’s worth getting to know! You are cordially invited to celebrate William’s 13th birthday party with him.
Sunday, August 20th, 1 PM – 3 PM in EST
Superplay USA 1600 NW Courtyard Circle Port St. Lucie, FL. 34986
RSVP here and wish William a Happy Birthday as he will be checking his wall
Press Release
William’s Birthday Party Flyer
As an honored guest, you are invited to have a super time at SuperPlayUSA. There is no admission cost to attend the party, however, prior to the party, discounted party passes will be available to all children that attend August ($18 value), providing 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, equipment use, party food from Duffy’s: pizza and drinks, an Arcade Swipe Card and of course delicious birthday cake from Magnolia Cakes & Confections! Officer Richard Wilson of the Port St Lucie Police Athletic League will be bringing some special guests including professional athletes! Celebrate William’s birthday and stay as long as you want to play! As party passes need to be purchased prior to the party to provide a RSVP count to Superplay, Duffys, and the baker so there is enough room, food, and cake, they will not be available the day of William’s birthday party.
We are looking to raise money to help support our mission to help children in need. Please contribute here.
William and his family, SuperPlayUSA, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Magnolia Cakes, Port St Lucie Police Athletic League (PAL), ACEing Autism, along with the crowdFunnit team look forward to hosting you, extending the invitation to like-minded, kindhearted individuals to come out for a day of fun, food, friendship, games and of course a bowling themed birthday party.
William who is 12 years old and in the 7th grade has no friends and feels alone in the world.
William was a toddler when his parents started wondering – wondering if he really was different from
the others and if his differences all added up to something. Phobia of loud noises. A strong dislike for crowds. Inability to socialize well with peers. Google searches always led William’s mom, Tricia Falkenthal-Morales, to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“I knew before his actual diagnosis that he was different,” said Tricia. She noticed different things about him as did a pre-school teacher. Testing by the schools resulted in negative results for any sort of formal diagnosis so they carried on as “normal” but life really wasn’t at all normal for William. “Denying something is wrong with your child is a disservice to them,” she said. Following her gut, she had him tested by a child neurologist who came to the same conclusion she did. “When you hear if from an actual doctor,” remembers Tricia, “I broke down. I said ‘let me get this out of my system.’” And then she was ready to face it head on.
Then came the bullying.
Doctors and psychologists have become the norm and William is now aware of his ASD diagnosis.
Unfortunately, bullying has become the norm as well. “I know words are harsh but you ignore stupidity,” Tricia often tells him.
Then the bullying became physical. When a few boys at his school knocked him down in the hall, then kicked him, William’s first stop was to tell his teacher. “I didn’t see it so there is nothing I can do about it,” was her response. Luckily for William video footage brought the event to the attention of school officials and punishment ensued.
However, the humiliation and hurt linger. When his mom drives William to school he cries and begs her to let him stay home.
Through crowdfunnit, Tricia’s hope for William’s upcoming 13th birthday is simple: For people to attend and bring children, including those who are just like him, to show him that people do care about him, that there are people out there who are compassionate, and that not everyone is a bully. “Please help my boy smile.”
crowdFunnit grants William’s wish!
Videos About William’s crowdFunnit Party From Star Wars, Inside Edition, And More
[huge_it_videogallery id=”2″]Since we’ve had a huge interest from people touched by our story who would like to attend a crowdFunnit event, we are currently planning one in Pennsylvania and one Florida in the next few months. The one in Florida will be for a group of children that are either bullied or alienated and in need of help. Again the need for this was apparent through William’s crowdFunnit event that may other children are in te same situation in need of a friend and some compassion. If your child is being bullied or alienated, please contact us for help. We also appreciate any donations to help us with our mission. We are a grassroots 100 percent volunteer 501(c)3 Any donation is appreciated. Thank you so much and keep updated by our Facebook page and website
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
A message below about how CrowdFunnit got started!
Posted: March 14, 2017 by CrowdFunnit
Kayla Baylor’s Birthday Party
It’s not easy to feel isolated in the world when you just want to have friends you can go to the mall with like others your age, so Kayla Baylor has dedicated her 17th birthday party as a salute to end bullying and alienation. As far as she is concerned, 17th birthday in, bullying and alienation out. Bikers Against Bullies will be joining crowdFunnit to support Kayla and the cause.
Sunday, April 9th 12 PM – 3 PM EST
Location: James G. Atkinson Memorial Park 138 Bethel Mill Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080
RSVP here: and wish Kayla a Happy Birthday as she will be checking her wall
Press Release
Theme: Military Motown
“The bullying started early on for Kayla, and wasn’t limited to other children,” says her mom JoAnn Colaneri. “There have been teachers, neighbors, and peers who repeatedly called her names like ‘stupid’, ‘weirdo’ or ‘retarded’.” Because Kayla is biracial she’s also experienced racial bullying and alienation from those who don’t believe she’s white, or black enough.
Kayla had health issues as early as 4 months old. Early seizures as the results of an unexplained breath holding issue led to the need for a pacemaker just before her 3rd birthday. At age 8 she was diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Early intervention helped with some of the deficits, however, it was clear as early as age 2 that she was different than her preschool peers. While other children collected dolls, Kayla’s collection of specialists grew with each year, growing to 17 specialists including a cardiologist, pulmonologist, and neurologist.
Early elementary school and special education activities provided Kayla with a social outlet, but as she aged, socialization and friendships became profoundly more difficult.
Age 13 to 17, which is hard for any teenager, has been particularly difficult for Kayla due to her unique cognitive abilities and the incessant bullying. Not only is she affected by the bullying directed towards her, but also that of a lower functioning peer in her class, who doesn’t have the cognitive ability to know kids are bullying her.
The combination of it all is tearing Kayla apart.
The stress and depression became so intense that her family had her hospitalized for a week in a psychiatric unit. “I can’t handle being different and I can’t handle being by myself in life. I just want to be a normal person. I don’t fit in. I don’t belong,” she tells her mother when she’s at her lowest.
From comments on social media, taunts from school peers, sneering school administers who call child protective services to her house each time her mother calls to report school bullying and neighbors who physically accost her, Kayla’s faith in society is waning. While other teens she volunteers with at the Ronald McDonald House discuss fashion trends, her attempts as a 16-year-old to join the conversation include her favorites, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Barney. We can all image just how this plays out.
Kayla is fully and painfully aware that she has a difficult time bonding with peers. She finds solace in the company of her little sister Brianna, her big brother Russell, and her service dog, Abby, who is currently battling cancer. Pouring through her headphones are tunes from Old School Motown to Michael Jackson; country music favorites Toby Keith and Luke Bryan, to the dark side of life including Black Veil Bride and Avenged Sevenfold. The bullying at school is to such an extreme that it is now written into her Independent Education Program (IEP) that she be permitted to don her headphones whenever necessary while on campus to ease the anxiety from all the taunting.
Kayla likes to say,” Everyone is unique. You have to take your own individual talents and run with them.” It’s a reminder to herself but doesn’t make life any easier, or make her any less lonely.
Here’s a quote from a speech that Kayla wrote, “There were many times that I felt unsafe and that I did not belong. This made me very depressed. I was often
left out and an easy target for bullying. This led me to be more depressed and suicidal.” Full speech is here
However many times Kayla has been knocked down, with the help of her family and doctors, she rises up again. One avenue of strength is her participation in pageants which offer women with disabilities the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Miss Amazing, Precious Gem Mentor and Pure International are just a few in which she can be seen raising her own crown against bullying. She’s an advocate for autism, special needs and suicide prevention, as she is no a stranger to any of these groups.
Kayla’s speech at the Dare To Dream conference
While she loves to help others, she also wants the simple joys of childhood for herself. “I want to go to a sleepover. I’m never going to know what it’s like to go to the prom or what it’s like to hang out with a bunch of friends,” she tells her mom.
Kayla is on cloud 9 about her crowdFunnit party – not just because it’s a party for her, but because of the anti-bullying message being sent out to the community.
The potential her crowdFunnit birthday party will have on her community, bringing together individuals who will accept her for who she is, thrills her. Equally important to her is her hope that this party will bring awareness to bystanders who generally stand idle who will instead choose to step in to help protect her and others from bullying.
For those that are not able to attend, Kayla loves receiving and opening mail. If you would like to send a card or a gift, Kayla’s favorite color is red. You can find her “Amazon wish list here” If you want to send Kayla a card or a gift for her 17th birthday party, mail to:
Kayla Baylor’s Birthday
C/O RAAB Enterprises
Attn: JoAnn Colaneri
201 Harvard Ave. Westville, NJ 08093
Beyond her 17th birthday and hopefully finding friends that love and accept her for who she is, Kayla hopes to realize her dream of going to college to either become a special needs advocate or a pediatric nurse.
crowdFunnit Crowd-Sources Special Events For Special Kids: crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation, was created to bring people together, raising awareness about differences while fostering acceptance and compassion. Helping a friendless child celebrate a birthday is just an incredible mechanism in which to help make this happen. The party itself and any media attention it brings will help fight bullying at the root while the community connections will exist long after the party ends.
Posted: January 3, 2017 by CrowdFunnit
Maggie Mays Sweet 16 Birthday Invitation
Let’s show Maggie she does have friends! You are cordially invited to celebrate Maggie’s 16th birthday party with her.
Saturday, February 25th 12 PM – 2 PM EST
Healing Strides Of Virginia 672 Naff Road Boones Mill, VA 24065
RSVP here and wish Maggie a Happy Birthday as she will be checking her wall
Press Release
From WSLS
Early word of the party touched Franklin County Sergeant Joshua Mason of the K9 Patrol Division so much that he and his trusted buddy, a Shepard/Mali mix named Spike, have offered to stop by for a visit. As a combat veteran, Sergeant Mason knows the wonderful potential of therapeutic animals. “It really means a lot to me to see the joy my dog brings to people so I love to do it,” he said.
Maggie was born with two holes in her heart. Whereas one has closed, the other is filled with so much love it spills out into her daily life. However, despite her close relationship with family and caretakers, Maggie, who turns 16 in February, has never had a real birthday party with friends. Too many immunity issues keeps her indoors during the cold and flu season says her mom Robin, and away from large crowds and comradery. Simply put Maggie has lots of people who love her, but no true friends of her own.
Nonverbal, however, does not mean non-communicative. When not speaking with her eyes and her heart, a Dynavox (an alternative communication device) serves as her voice.
When people learn about Maggie, they start apologizing that she has it so rough. Robin’s modus operandi is to turn that around and help educate people on special needs. “I even find myself educating the educators,” she added. “Very few times do people come up to Maggie and engage her. Often people will just stand and stare at her. They know something is different, but they are not exactly sure what’s going on and they refrain from engaging with her.” As a result, Maggie spends much of her life as an observer, watching other people live theirs.
We are looking to raise 275 towards basic party supplies and to contribute to the non-profit 501 (c) 3 Healing Strides of Virginia which is both hosting her birthday party, and has given Maggie so much therapy and fun over the years. Every dollar helps and any money over our goal can also go to help others in need of support. Please contribute here.
Robin’s hope for Maggie’s crowdFunnit birthday party is to open the hearts of community members and bring together like-minded individuals to share in a day of activities and comradery. Everyone is welcome to share in the festivities wishing Maggie a 16th birthday to remember. Please RSVP here
For those that are not able to attend, Maggie loves receiving and opening mail. If you would like to send a card or a gift, Maggie’s favorite colors are pink, light pink, and purple. You can find her Amazon “wish list here” If you want to send Maggie a card or a gift for her sweet 16 birthday party, mail to:
Maggie Mays Birthday
C/O Virginia Office Supply
160 Franklin St # C, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Posted: December 1, 2016 by CrowdFunnit
Josie Has The Birthday Party She Always Dreamed Of
Before Josie’s crowdFunnit birthday party she had expressed, “Being Autistic I’ve always had difficulty making and keeping friends. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not really worth getting to know” So much has changed since then.
Not only was the party a celebration of Josie but it served as a celebration against alienation and bullying. Many thanks go out to the Portland community for helping crowdFunnit™ and the support staff at RISE Family Services make this day happen, as well as:
Also special thanks to ABC News WKATU for covering Josie’s party invitation and then covering Josie’s birthday party.
“Being autistic, I’ve always had difficulty making and keeping friends. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not worth getting to know,” Josie said. “To me, birthdays should always be a big deal, no matter if you’re 1 or 8 or 15 or 37, 62 or 103! Birthdays are a marker of your life; you’ve made it another year, a little older, a little wiser.”
But on October 1, 2016 Josie enjoyed the presence (and presents!) of many people of all ages, many dressed in Lord of the Rings costumes, a personal favorite of Josie’s.
“My mom and my grandparents… strived really hard over the years to make my birthday special, but the friend aspect was not so much. So it was mostly just my family,” she said.
Also a very special thank you to the The Rose City Rollers Roller Derby Team (the Wreckers) at Josie’s crowdFunnit Party who gifted Josie with roller skates and a basket full of other goodies!
Josie has learned that roller skating in addition to being fun, is an easier and less painful way for her to get around than walking. In addition she’s been embraced by the Rose City Rollers Derby Team. cheers them on when she’s not skating, and she’s super happy with all her new friends!
Quote from Josie
Josie was nominated to crowdFunnit by Laura Wolfenson, a RISE Family Services Coordinator. crowdFunnit, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cherab Foundation helps to bring awareness about differences to those that are bullied or alienated, while fostering acceptance, compassion, and friendship through open-invite birthday parties. As word got out about her party, friends and strangers arrived to celebrate, making up for the parties Josie never had.
“I’ve never seen her smile as big as she is now, part of the reason I get teary eyed,” said Wolfenson. “Lots of love, lots of people… it’s really amazing.”
Thank you note from Josie
If you want to keep up with Josie now –please join her Facebook group Josie’s life- Updates and shenanigans
Josie’s ABC News WKATU coverage of Josie’s party
Posted: August 5, 2016 by CrowdFunnit
Josie Eugenie’s Birthday Invitation
Let’s let Josie know she’s worth getting to know! You are cordially invited to celebrate Josie’s 24th birthday party with her.
Saturday, October 1 12 PM – 2 PM in PDT
Oaks Amusement Park 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
RSVP here and wish Josie a Happy Birthday as she will be checking her wall
Press Release
There is no admission cost to Josie’s party, enjoy the food, drinks, and birthday cake, however, all that attend will be able to purchase a discount deluxe ride bracelet for $10. The deluxe ride bracelet provides unlimited midway rides from 12 till 7 PM, and a roller skating session with conventional skates. Celebrate Josie’s birthday and stay as long as you want after to enjoy Oaks Amusement Park!
Josie loves Lord Of The Rings and is requesting a LOTR costume party. Optional if you want, show up in your favorite LOTR attire!
We are looking to raise 275 towards basic party supplies and a quiet sensory area that’s away from the excitement, in case Josie or any of the attendees with sensory processing disorder gets overwhelmed. Every dollar helps and any money over our goal can also go to help others in need of support. Please contribute here.
Josie said, “After my 18th birthday, when I tried to give it one last go and have a big luau themed party and invited tons of people, only my grandmother, mom and one of my mom’s friends showed up. The disappointment of having NOBODY you personally invited to your birthday was too much. They either gave excuses, or didn’t even bother responding. It was heartbreaking. I can’t help but feel disappointed when everybody my age goes out with friends or has a big party. It makes me feel like I’m not really worth getting to know.”
In spite of her age, Josie has a sweet childlike aura. She loves Disney, Pixar, dinosaurs,
getting mail, anything Lord of the Rings related, and going to the zoo and amusement park. Her favorite animal is a giraffe. She also loves birthday parties even though she hasn’t had one with friends since school age. Josie says, “To me birthdays should always be a big deal, no matter if you’re 1 or 8 or 15 or 37, 62 or 103! Birthdays are a marker of your life; you’ve made it another year, a little older, a little wiser.”
Josie is also wise beyond her years, and doesn’t let her disabilities stand in her way. She is an avid artist, animal lover, creative dreamer and outdoor enthusiast. She lends her voice in support of all people with disabilities, educating people on what it’s like for her and others, hoping they can see past differences by bringing awareness to life with a disability. She says, “I like being autistic because it means I see things non-autistics never see. But at the same time it means that I’m not like most people which makes people not want to be friends with me. They can’t see past my differences which is such a shame really because the most amazing people I’ve met are the people who, like me, are different. I game online because when you play games online people tend to look past differences and focus on just having fun.
I also enjoy playing board games (I’m good at monopoly!), and games that are played at summer camps, I like a few card games too (cards against humanity is my favorite). I like to play with toys even though I’m “too old” I especially like building type toys like wooden train sets and lego’s and blocks.”
In the same vein, even though autism has affected some of Josie’s communication skills, her iPad communication program Speak For Yourself ACC assists her in communicating with others from time to time when she gets overwhelmed or is in a large crowd. Josie also uses communication cards she has made up to share when people are sometimes rude to her in public because they don’t understand her. She makes communication cards for others that need them too.
Josie was nominated by Laura Wolfenson, a RISE Family Services Coordinator, to crowdFunnit, a project of the nonprofit Cherab Foundation. crowdFunnit helps to bring awareness about differences to those that are bullied or alienated, while fostering acceptance, compassion, and friendship through open-invite birthday parties. Our program typically only goes up to 18 but we were so touched by Josie’s story we just had to make an exception.
We hope to throw Josie the party of her dreams, and for her to receive a new gaming computer, in front of a crowd of well-wishers is a memory that will dissolve all those disappointing birthdays, when no one showed up.
As one who is more comfortable offering help than taking it, Josie’s remarkable nature and big heart will leave an impression on you because she represents what’s good in our world.
News on Josie’s party from ABC station KATU!
News on Josie’s party from a local paper -the Willamette Week!
Together we can help Josie enjoy the simple pleasure all children deserve, but that she only dreams of experiencing, a happy birthday with friends. You and your family are invited to help make this dream come true.
For those that are not able to attend, Josie loves receiving and opening mail. She loves when her mom and grandmother mail her birthday cards instead of handing them to her, because those are typically the only two cards she gets each year on her birthday. We are hoping that this year she’ll get a few more. You can mail birthday cards to Josie Eugenie through her service coordinator Candice Gage who works for Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities.
County DD
Josie’s Birthday C/O Candice Gage
2051 Kaen Rd.
Oregon City, OR 97045
If you would like to send a gift, Josie’s favorite colors are purple, light blue and light pink. You can find her Amazon “wish list” here and you can also mail them to Josie in care of her service coordinator Candice Gage.