Why We Shoot

In 2003, our son, Zachary, was diagnosed with Autism. At that time it was challenging to find resources that could offer both help and hope. After several years of therapy, Zachary has overcome many challenges, but continues to work hard every day to overcome new obstacles. His struggles, and courage, inspire us to take an active role in raising funds for research. In 2006 we held the first “Shoot Out For Autism”. Our intent is to inspire other outdoorsman and shooting sports enthusiasts to join our cause. To date, this event alone has raised over $44,800 for Autism Speaks. We want Zachary, and all individuals affected with autism, to have opportunities that will enrich their lives and make their futures bright. With your support we can fund not only further research but many beneficial programs that are necessary to make this happen.

Where we are today

Our family has grown so much in the years since the diagnosis. This disorder has shaped us and our path in life. When we began our journey we longed for a cure, it was what we wanted, what we needed, it was the light at the end of the tunnel, an end goal. The hope of a cure kept us pushing and hopeful for the future. But so many years have passed now. Special diets have been tried, therapies implemented, shots given, supplements forced, an entire menagerie of trials completed and Autism is still with us. Despite the struggles we are making it, enjoying our family and cherishing each bit of progress along the way. Zachary has grown into a wonderful and energetic 10 year old who continues to inspire us and countless others to be better people. He cannot write, he can not have a conversation with us, he still requires assistance for bathing, dressing, and using the restroom, and much of the time he is in his own world, but every time a connection is made through a song or a smile we know we are fortunate.

What if there was a cure? What would the cure be? Just what would it take? How would that affect our son, his future, and our lives? The little boy we love, the one with the bright eyes and boundless energy, the one with the quirky behaviors we’ve embraced. What if he no longer rubbed the toe of his shoe across the ground until he wore away the sole, what if he stopped incessantly wiping at every spot that caught his eye on walls and floors, what if he quit chewing holes in the collar of his shirts, what if he stopped constantly scripting every movie line he’d ever heard? Would we miss all of the things that make him who we’ve known the past 10 years? These are the challenges of today that barricade the path to a brighter future. If only we could spend a day in his shoes, and see the world and all its challenges from his point of view. Our hope is that Zachary will eventually engage us in conversation and explain so much of the mystery from years past.

These thoughts are overwhelming at times. Those times at night when we look at our little guy comfortably snuggled between us in bed, those times when we’re tired and the challenges of the day have worn us down, those times when we see other parents with their “neuro-typical” children enjoying all of the childhood rites of passage. Those are the times we desperately hope for improvement in the future, and our passion for advocacy and fundraising are reaffirmed.

As our unsure future continues to unfold we focus on the importance of what can be done right now. RIght now we can effect change for our son and others who struggle with autism by ensuring that we advocate for him, increase awareness and acceptance, and seek new technologies and tools for him to learn, interact, and succeed. This is why we support Autism Speaks!

Thank you so much for your involvement and enthusiasm!

Sincerely,
Michael & Heather