Chalamain Cassidy

I'm walking 7k steps a day for my daughter

I’m taking on this challenge as my daughter who is 3 turning 4 in April has autism. Moana has faced many obstacles since the day she was born, being a premature baby we faced watching Moana fight for her life being on oxygen support, blood transfusions and having tones of medication given to keep her tiny body going. But she conquered everything that was thrown at her growing stronger everyday from crawling to walking saying mama and dada and at one point star ⭐️. Fast forward to two years of age she stopped all her babbling baby noises her mama dada stopped and all she done was moan or hum. I as an over protective mother worried thinking I done something wrong. So I took her to our local doctor and she referred us back to Moana paediatrician saying that she may have had a stroke or she may have autism. After doing brain scans hearing and eye tests her paediatrician joined with a OT therapist sat with Moana and “analysed” her this is when I was told she has autism. I wasn’t shocked nor did I feel disappointed (crazy to think some people in this world are disappointed when their child has a disability). I was so happy to know she was fine and that all she needs is that extra bit of support. I done my research and taught (still teaching) myself the ropes of autism and how to accommodate my child’s needs. Through out these couple years of learning autism I also found how cruel this world is towards autistic people or people with disabilities in general. I can't accept the fact that my beautiful daughter will eventually face these hardships the bullying the mistreatment and abuse from other people. How mean someone else’s child could be towards her or even an adult it makes my blood boil 😞. But I will always protect and stand beside my daughter and fight for her mentally and physically she doesn’t have a voice (yet) so I will be her voice. I don’t expect people to donate participating in getting up and walking or spreading awareness of autism, kindness and love will definitely suffice ❤️ thank you for taking the time to read and joining in on this amazing fundraiser me and Moana appreciate you so much 🫶 here’s to helping our ASD community and keeping fit at the same time