Mama Jia & Daniel

Thank you. Truly. 💙

To everyone who donated, prayed, sent well wishes, shared our fundraiser, and especially those who came out to walk with us on a day that was supposed to storm, thank you.

This was never just about meeting a fundraising goal.

Last year, I walked this walk with Daniel. Just the two of us. Afterward, I wrote Autism Speaks. I shared what I loved, what I appreciated, and what I thought could make the experience better, especially for first time families walking into this space unsure of what to expect.

They listened.

Within 48 hours, I received a call. Six weeks later, I was invited to join the community outreach committee.

I said yes.

This past year, I served as the only Black woman on that committee. And I learned something I will carry with me throughout my advocacy:

If you want to help create change, sometimes you have to enter the room and speak up.

So I showed up. Every month.

Tired. Sad. Depleted. Happy. Overwhelmed. Hopeful.

I showed up when nobody was watching because advocacy is not just what happens when the cameras are out or the shirts are printed. Much of the work happens quietly.

So when you supported our fundraiser, you supported more than a financial goal. You supported my mission to keep showing up, advocating for our families, speaking about what our communities need, and helping connect families to tools, resources, and access they may not otherwise have.

That means more to me than I can properly put into words.

With so much humility, thank you.

I promise I will follow up with everyone individually. For now, please know that I saw every donation, every message, every prayer, every share, and every person who showed up.

And I don’t take any of it for granted.

The rain stayed away. But the community showed all the way up.

#walkwithmamajia #nuggetnation #autismspeaks #autismmom #autismcommunity