Day 5: @JosephRanseth & National #Autism Association – #12DaysOfGiving

Joseph Ranseth

This is me... except today I have a beard.

Hey! Welcome to Day 5 of the #12DaysOfGiving Challenge!

This project has been a powerful testament to the power of community. What started as a simple idea and conversation between two people has evolved into a viral movement involving 1000′s of people. Thank YOU for being a part of it.

I believe that we can help each of the charities involved, but also help remind everyone out there how good their lives really are, and inspire them to give back. (Because giving kicks ass, of course)

My charity of choice? The National Autism Association.

Why the National Autism Association?

 

Did you know that in 1980, 1 in 5000 children were affected by Autism? Now, that number is 1 in 110. Let that sink in… 1 in 110 kids born today will be affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. And, if your baby happens to be a boy, it’s 1 in 70. (Having a penis seems less cooler than it did 5 minutes ago, doesn’t it?)

What does Autism mean? I’m not a doctor, so I’m not qualified to explain it all, but can you imagine having a child that you can never hug? That will never say “I love you” to you, their parent? This is just a small part of what Autism may mean.

Basically, Autism sucks.

I’m offering my body – to YOU – on behalf of Autism

 

Earlier this year, I did the Bad Hair Fundraising Challenge for Autismand we raised over $2100.This time, we’re making it more awesome… If we can raise $2000 by the time the #12DaysOfGiving challenge is over, I’ll dye my hair bright blue. I’ll keep it that way. I’ll post it as my Twitter avatar, my Facebook profile, I’ll go to business meetings with it. I’m willing to kick ass in whatever I way I can.

Will you join me?

Getting Involved Is Cooler Than You Think!

Wanna kick ass? Here are 2 totally awesome ways that you can:

  • Skip the latte! Or whatever it is… skip it, and give the $10 (or more) to some beautiful young children who need it more than you do. Do it here: Crowdrise.com/12DaysNAA(If you do this, let me know what you skipped. I want to recognize you and shout it out from the rooftops!)
  • Use your superpowers for Good! If you can’t afford the $10, then maybe you know 5 people who can? Join the team by asking your family, friends or coworkers (or people who don’t like you) to donate $10. It’s easy, just join the crew at Crowdrise.com/12DaysNAAand you’ll get your very own link to use. Sweet, huh?(If you do this, I’ve got an AWESOME prize pack for you, including some precious Crowdrise gear and a few top-secret items…)

Skip the Latte. Kick Ass. Give Now!

 

 

Enough video watching… Go Kick Ass Now!

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  • http://www.facebook.com/justplainshel Michelle VanWinkle Johnson

    I copied this from my Facebook Notes in response to your “What does autism mean?” paragraph.  Thanks for what you’re doing–you rock!

    This is autism
    by MVWJ on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 7:55pm

    Not knowing what is wrong when your child screams and cries for hours, because she isn’t able to tell you.

    Never hugging or holding her because touch doesn’t feel the same to her.

    Never hearing her say “I love you,” and knowing you probably never will.

    Not knowing her favorite color, favorite place, or favorite smell because she can’t tell you.

    Taking her to the hospital for another painful, countless, pointless
    test; and seeing another child, who is clearly very, very ill, and
    feeling only envy. Yes, envy, because that child’s suffering will end
    soon, and your child will suffer a full lifespan.

    Knowing she will never go to college, get married or have babies. Ever.

    Knowing there is nothing you can do to help her, or console her, so
    you simply cry with her–albeit on the other side of the door because
    she doesn’t want you in the room.

    Knowing that when you are gone the burden of her care will pass to
    her sister and wondering which child to worry about more–the one in the
    institution or the one in the lobby fighting with the bureaucrats.

    This is autism.

    ———————————————————————————————–
    I wrote this a couple of years ago and I thought I would post it
    today for Autism Awareness Day. As I read through it just now I realized
    I’d forgotten some of the most important things about autism:

    Wondering what she’s thinking that’s making her giggle.

    Loving the way she wraps her arm in mine while we walk.

    Acting surprised when she pushes me in the pool even though I’ve been waiting and waiting!

    Basking in her childlike innocence and knowing she will never outgrow it.

    Thanking God for her everyday, and not being able to imagine her any other way, and knowing that’s okay.

    This too is autism

  • Joseph Ranseth

    Michelle, this is so touching… especially the second half. Thank you so much for sharing, and helping out the project. Wishing you and your family the best. :)

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