We Like Mike

"Autism Speaks". What a fabulous slogan for the autism community. Well today in Kansas City, autism wasn't just speaking.. it was yelling.. 'find a cure, find treatment options, find the cause'. Nearly 10,000 people gathered this morning for a benefit walk at the Kansas Speedway to raise money and awareness for this disorder. We were there in support of our dear friend, Michael. He has autism. He is very high functioning. Upon meeting him, you'd probably never know anything was different about him. He is loving. Encouraging. He always puts others before him. He loves kids, they love him.. and he'll be the first to tell you. What I love most is that he's endearing. He sincerely cares about you. He's genuine. He also works hard at his job. Loves movies. Loves life. Before he reads a card, he always looks at the back to see how much it costs. He's fun to be around. He always kicks my rear when we run together. But he's never rubbed it in. Like so many others, this disorder has robbed him. His family. His friends. The Autism Speaks organization says that one in 150 people are diagnosed with this disorder. That's mind blowing. It's not fair. How would Michael's life be different if he wasn't 'the one'. What would he do. What would he be. Questions that have no doubt rattled through the minds of his family members millions of times by now. Michael had a very large group walking on his behalf today... raising over a thousand dollars in his honor. And that 'speaks' volumes for Michael.