Because of so many of your generous hearts this year,
I was able to make a large donation this evening to Cure Autism Now. Read below:
Dear Ali Edwards,On behalf of the Cure Autism Now Foundation, I would like to thank you for the very generous donation of $2,500.00 dated 12/29/2006 4:54:13 PM. With the help of this incredible gift, Cure Autism Now plans to commit over $ 8.0 million toward research, advocacy and education programs in 2006. Your generosity helps Cure Autism Now lead the way in the effort to both gather dedicated investigators in the field of autism as well as to fund important new scientific research in the area.
Cure Autism Now is one of the largest private funders of autism research in the world. The culture and feel of the organization, however, is best summed up in a recent e-mail I received from a Cure Autism Now supporter:
“My son was diagnosed in March of 2004. I was devastated and afraid, but every week I read about Cure Autism Now's accomplishments and my optimism only grows stronger. I am no longer afraid and I am grateful for CAN's continuous support and guidance. A cure will be found, I'm sure of it.”
As a valued supporter of Cure Autism Now you have helped change the landscape of autism research and built the momentum that now propels us toward groundbreaking discoveries that will solve the mysteries of autism. Your support serves as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for us. None of what has been accomplished so far would have been possible without people like you. Thank you again for your generosity – and for proving that you believe, as we do, that there is hope for a better life for people with autism.
With much gratitude,
Bret Prichard
VP of Development
Sitting here at my computer I am overcome with emotion once again for the goodness, the kindness, the wonderful nature of all the scrapbookers I have met over the last year at events around the globe. Thank you for entrusting me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for believing in the power we each have to help one another and make a difference in our world.
Thank you, especially, for cheering on Simon through all his challenges and triumphs.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
thank YOU, Ali!
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It can't be said enough, Ali you are the most all-around inspiring person I have ever met. I believe Simon is the luckiest little boy on earth and I am blessed to know you! Wishing you health & happiness in 2007!
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Ali what a great way to start off the new year. Simon is lucky to have you and Chris as parents. Good luck with everything in 2007. :)sesil
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Yay!!! So glad you were able to do this! I hope to be able to do the same thing to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation after the first of the year. You are so right about the open hearts and generous spirit of scrapbookers. This great hobby has introduced me to some of my best friends and let me meet some very inspirational people including you! Thanks so much!
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Ali - Simon is such a lucky boy to have a mom like you. I have a relative who also has autism so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do. I had the chance to meet you at cku-atlanta and I have never met a more gracious and authentic person.
I wish you and your family a happy and amazing new year.
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You have Simon in your life because God knew you were the sort of person he could trust to take care care of him. That's a big compliment...
You are such an inspiration to me, I wish I knew how to thank YOU...
Anilu.
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you are such a inspiration Ali. I am so glad i met you this year in Sydney.you are exactly what i thought you were. and Simon is making all these progress because of all the work you do with him too. he is very sweet and you are very lucky to have each other.
take care
Mimi
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I have no idea how you have accomplished this via your website [newbie] but I would be very interested to learn how I [we all] might achieve something similar.
Best wishes
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You are simply an amazing woman, Ali. Thank you for all of your inspiration as well. Us scrapbooking peeps stick together and support each other. Keep up with all that you do and good luck in the new year!
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I have always been the firm believer that while we are preparing our children for the world, we also need to prepare the world for our children. On behalf of my son, Evan, who lives with autism, I thank you for helping to prepare the world for our children.
Job very well done.
Sarah
Olympia, WA
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Ali,
WOW! What an amazing contribution and response. I'm reading with teary eyes, feeling proud to have the opportunity to teach students with autism each day. Thank you for all you've done to assist in raising awareness, and for sharing your story. Have a joyous 2007!
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BEAUTIFUL!
where are more donations being accepted? why did WE not discuss this in Tampa...?
I am willing to join a walk...more info?
Catherine
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Oh Ali! I'm sitting here teary-eyed because of your beautiful post. You and your family are such a blessing to us all; a treasure! I'm so thankful that you are in the world! Your dedication to your family and towards cultivating autism awareness and knowledge is meaningful and significant. I'm so happy that you feel such gratitude, but I'm more grateful to you; for your pursuit of what is good and for your willingness to take us along. Thank YOU, Ali!
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Thank you for your courage and your pure LOVE of life. The life of that little boy...I just can not explain to you how you have touched us all with all the things that you set out to do...all the things that you acomplished because of that love of Simon. It's as simple and yet so complex as that. You make us all lucky and better for it.
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That is pretty awesome! I always enjoy reading about Simon's progress. Those are happy moments. I agree with the other ladies--Simon is lucky to have You and Chris!
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so nice to see it come full circle for you! you are so creative, talented, and above all else, such an inspiration for me, and so many others...so thank you ali!
see you next year!
peace.
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Thank YOU for your never ending inspiration! You are amazing!
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{insert WILD applause!} BRAVO, Ali!
Thank YOU! You inspire ALL of us everyday!
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Good job Ali! We need more mum's like you fighting the cause - to help all those affected by autism and to help us teacher's help your little guys too. You are a truly wonderful mum - love reading your blog - it's become part of my daily routine.
Bless you.
Happy New Year!
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I'm sure you'll succeed!!!
Best wishes from the bottom of our heart!
Big kisses to you and to Simon!!!
:o*
{ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
http://prolix.typepad.fr
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No Ali thank you. You have the ability to inspire others thru not only your work but the voice on your blog. I am always entranced by the stories and pictures of Simon. The way you capture your "little dude" is absolutely amazing. I am inspired to create the same heartfelt magic on my pages of my own "little dude" by your art. You rock Ali!
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I thank you Ali for your generosity and work to help find a cure for autism in both your community and around the globe. I am very grateful for your generous contribution to helping me raise some money for the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati. Bless you and Happy New Year!
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Simon is so lucky to have a Mom like you and we are so lucky to have a scrapbooker who is caring, determinined and extremely talented that we can learn from. I look forward to reading your blog daily and I will continue to in the new year. Conratulations on the wonderful donation. You truly are making a difference. God Bless.
Teresa
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Ali, THANK YOU!! And also on behalf of my little Vince who also has autism, THANK YOU from the bottem of our hearts. You are so inspiring. More than you know. I love how you scrapbook about Simon's life because it gives me ideas on how to scrapbook my family's journey as well. God Bless. You have made my day - as usual :-)
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I know a family who had 4 challenged children. The Mom used to say that God sent them to her because he knew she would take good care of them. I think God sends his special children to special parents. Simon is so lucky to have you and Chris. Maybe your scrapping fame is part of God's plan to help Simon and other children with Autism. Keep up the good work!
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