Jersey Shore Autism Walk 2008 - Alex's Army Photos

Alex's Army 2008

Another Autism Walk at the Jersey Shore has come and gone. Today marked the 3rd walk at the Jersey Shore and the 2nd for Alex's Army. The first was on our wedding anniversary and we were out of town, we still raised money though. In 2007, our team was 30+ strong (counting many children/toddlers) and raised over $2,000. This year, our team was significantly smaller and the economy did effect our total which is somewhere around $1000 at the time I'm writing this. We'll continue to accept donations through December on our Alex's Army team page.

The weather the past few days has been less than encouraging. A lot of rain, wind, and grey skies. Thunderstorms were anticipated for today and I honestly expected we wouldn't attend. We made the decision that even though the walk was to be held rain or shine, that we would stay dry and warm should it rain - and be there 'in spirit'. This morning when I woke up the skies looked grey and it was misting. My morning was made up of a series of phone calls and emails with team members letting me know that they would not be attending. I was getting discouraged but I had said so myself that we'd stay in if the skies weren't with us. My husband and I talked and decided that we would at least go to the Pre-Walk "party" and check-in. The walk was being held just 3 miles (if that) away from our house, so we felt we really should at least go and check it out.

We got there to find an amazing parking spot and a manageable crowd. In 2007, parking was a bear and the crowd was overwhelming. I am sure that the weather definitely kept people away, though it was OK out - and the worst thing was a bit of mud if you weren't careful where you were walking. Alex did great. He started out with his headphones on but by the end of the day he had them off and walked right in front of speakers that were blaring music. Why do these big Autism events play loud music? I don't 'get it' considering so many of our kids are riddled with sensory issues and don't deal well with Shakira being blared louder than loud? Still, Alex did amazing and the kids had a great time.

Our day in pics:

Alex & Mrs. Beth from Camp Bridge

Playing at the Key to Me Therapy Bean Table

Look - No headphones, notice those BIG speakers -

they were blaring and he didn't even flinch.

Great job, Alex!

Bouncing high! Better here than the couch

If you would like to make a donation to Autism Speaks, visit our Alex's Army page
http://www.walknowforautism.org/siteapps/teampage/ShowPage.aspx?c=pkLXJ4MMKrH&b=3627115&teamid=2760427