On October 16, 2017, my life changed forever when my son Reid was diagnosed with Autism. He was 2 1/2 years old. I never knew much about autism, but since then have learned more than I ever thought I would. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Its a spectrum disorder, meaning there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
In the weeks after Reid's diagnosis, I searched for answers. Answers on why and answers on how to treat him in the best way. There are no easy answers. I cried every day those first few weeks. Then one day I decided that I was done with that, and that it was time to pick myself up and be the best version of myself I could be, so I can not only help Reid, but be strong for my family. One thing that helped me was Triathlon. No workout was harder and no pain greater than trying to figure out how to navigate this new path of ours. It helped give me my "spark" back.
Today Reid is 4 years old. He is sweet, smart, loveable, loves Mickey Mouse and playing outside, and brings us joy every day. He has taught me so much and made me a better person. I feel so blessed to be his mom.
On November 2, my 38th birthay, I will participate in Ironman Florida. I will swim 2.4 miles in the Gulf of Mexico, cycle 112 miles, and then finish it up with a full marathon (26.2 miles). I am asking for your support in raising money for a wonderful organization called Organization for Autism Research. They are a parent led organization focused on applied research and valuable resource materials. They are not focused on finding a cure, but helping those with autism in their day-to-day lives. They have provided millions in research grants and pilot studies, in addition to several amazing programs such as: Hire Autism, a program that helps adults with autism find employment; Operation Autism, that helps military families affected by autism; Autism Sibling support, a program that helps typically developing children with autistic siblings. Also, they provide scholarships to teenagers to attend college or vocational schools.
Lastly, I also need your support as I go through the intense training leading up to November 2! Thank you in advance for your support.
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Shannon Hedrick | 11/01/2019 | $25.00 | I am so proud of you! Best of luck tomorrow! I will be with you every step of the way! | Joey & Sandra Broussard | 11/01/2019 | $20.00 | Good luck on your race!!! | Emile, Erica & James Broussard | 11/01/2019 | $30.00 | Your gonna do great!!!! We are so proud of you! | Jessica, Bobby, Sydney and Shelby Thompson | 11/01/2019 | $50.00 | We are so proud of you! Love you! | Stacy Garcia | 11/01/2019 | $50.00 | I am SO proud of you. You are an amazing mother, triathlete, and friend. You inspire me. I know you are going to do an amazing job in FL... Its going to be your best birthday ever. #bossaimee | Erin Cohan | 11/01/2019 | $50.00 | Charlene Boffone | 10/31/2019 | $100.00 | Ashley Bowers | 10/27/2019 | $30.00 | So proud of you Aimee!! ❤️❤️ For Reid! | Nikki Arabie | 10/23/2019 | $20.00 | Good luck Aimee | Monica Geisler | 10/23/2019 | $100.00 | Aimee, I am so extremely proud of you in so many ways! You are such an amazing mother and advocate for Reid! You are also the most amazing triathlete! You are going to kick butt on this race and I will be cheering you on every minute!! You are truly the best training partner ever!! Love you so much. Monica | Mahamat Abdelsalam | 10/15/2019 | $150.00 | Good luck!!! I have no doubt you’ll do great...will be cheering for you | Barbara Vagianos | 10/11/2019 | $50.00 | I'm so impressed with your determination and drive. Your never give up attitude is so inspiring and not only makes you a great mom, but a great person! I'm so glad I had a chance to work with you and get to know you. I can't wait to hear how you do on November 2nd! | Heather Schilling | 10/04/2019 | $50.00 | You go, Aimee! So proud of all you’ve accomplished! | Heather Burbrink | 10/03/2019 | $25.00 | Aimee you are one hell of a tri-athlete, always been an inspiration to me. But you are an even better mom!! I love you and I can’t wait to see more videos and pictures of this race!! | Christin Vilardo | 10/03/2019 | $50.00 | Proud of you, AIM! You and that baby boy are so incredibly impressive. Great job as a mommy and an athlete. Kicks ass in FL!! | Felicia Robertson | 10/01/2019 | $50.00 | Frances Kuehne | 09/26/2019 | $200.00 | Love you and sweet Reid. Go kick some butt!!! | Della Stieffel | 09/22/2019 | $50.00 | You are a true inspiration and an incredible mother. Reid is lucky to have you fighting for him. Thanks for being the voice for so many! | Beth LaBrosse | 09/19/2019 | $50.00 | You are such a rock star mama and an inspiration! Good luck! | Janet Guerra | 09/16/2019 | $50.00 | Reid knows what a wonderful Mother you are!!! Proud of you!!!! Go get ‘em!!!! | Kim Kidner | 09/16/2019 | $100.00 | So proud of you Aimee & of Reid! | Michelle Myer | 09/15/2019 | $25.00 | Racheal Guerra | 09/15/2019 | $50.00 | I am so proud to call you my friend❤️❤️ I love you so much and your sweet, beautiful family ❤️ | Scott Muller | 09/15/2019 | $30.00 | Best wishes my friend!!! | Robert Taylor | 09/15/2019 | $200.00 | you are going to do great. we are proud of you | Jennifer McLaughlin | 09/15/2019 | $100.00 | You are an incredible athlete and amazing mommy! I’m a better person because of you - I can’t wait to watch you crush it in Florida! |
| Total | $1,705.00 | ||