REGGAE for ROBERT 2006

This event was sold out and raised over $10,000 for local autistic children!

It is with great pride and humility that I stand here tonight knowing all of you came to honor my son, Robert, and “all” local autistic children.

Robert made a statement that “Things are much different now and life just seems to get better & better”.  This has been very true with “our’ ordeal with autism but unfortunately that is not always the case for other families.

The birth of my children were among the happiest and proudest moments in my life.  Brenda and I like so many parents took great delight in watching each child grow and develop.  And this is where our journey on the “autistic” path began.

At two years old, our youngest child Robert was not talking and for the most part began to completely ignore us.  At first we feared that maybe he had a hearing problem.  But after numerous hearing tests ranging within normal percentiles we knew then we were dealing with something much more severe, “AUTISM”.

That word autism became branded into our minds and would not let go.  Robert was diagnosed in January, 1999.  But what exactly was autism?  We didn’t know.  Our only education on this disorder was through the movie “Rain Man”.  We knew it was a neurological problem but what effect would it have on Robert or what impact would it have on our life and our other two children.

The first three years into the diagnosis were the toughest.  Robert was a stick of dynamite who kept us on guard 24 x 7.  Safety was our utmost concern and we had keyed deadbolt locks installed on our doors to keep Robert from running outside.  But no matter how careful and cautious we were, Robert always managed to escape!  A few times he gave our neighbors a “free show” by streaking around our cul-de-sac.  This occurred during his undressing phase of autistic rituals…….

We can laugh about these things now but at that time we felt very helpless and all alone.  Robert not only didn’t talk, but he didn’t understand what we were saying to him.  He passed much of each day by rocking back and forth, flapping his arms, covering his ears, rearranging knick-knacks, lining up toys and watching water spin down the toilet bowl.  He continued to thrive in a world all his own.

We knew our biggest challenge was to consistently redirect Robert into our world.

We converted our basement into a classroom where Robert received 40 hrs. a week of Behavioral Therapy.  Therapists, known as TSS workers came daily into our home and into our personal lives. 

Our once private and ordinary everyday living turned into chaos.  Social events, dinners in restaurants, family vacations, sitting outside or just a run to a local store was near impossible.  Robert screamed, grunted, cried and was always ready to run.

Living this way was “extremely” stressful.  But with the love and support of family and friends and trusting in Gods will we got through it and Robert finally began to blossom. 

At 5 yrs. old, Roberts speech improved from words to sentences.  Hearing him say “ I LOVE YOU” was a long awaited miracle.   Brenda recently asked Robert, “how much to do you love me”?  He looked up at her, smiled, and said “I love you infinity percent”.  Robert thus far has defied all odds and is one special kid!  Not a day now goes by without him wanting to know the answers to so many of his puzzling questions. 

For this reason, the Earthly Angels Autism Fund was established.  There are so many children and families afflicted with this disorder and all are living a lifestyle that one would NEVER envy.  Some of these families are here with us tonight.

We pray these children will progress like Robert and live a very happy life.  It is our organizations goal to promote autism awareness and be supportive in funding their special needs.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability.  1 in 167 children are diagnosed with this disorder.  At this rate, 4 million people are expected to be afflicted with autism by the next decade.

In closing, I would like to thank my family and friends, neighbors, co-workers, corporate and personal sponsors for your tremendous support and most generous donations.  There are so many names to mention but you all know who you are and I will never forget your kindness. 

I would also, at this time, like to recognize and thank our committee members.  These members all have their own personal problems and concerns, but yet, they take the time out of their busy schedules to help support our cause.  I would like to ask them to stand as I mention their names.

 My lovely wife, Brenda, who was our interior decorator for the evening. 

Tom Blaskiewicz
My brother, Tony D'Eliseo
Rudy Forlenza
Tony Grabosky
Dr. Sal Infantino
Tom Kelly
Fr. Paul McDonnell
Mick O'Donovan
Attny: Joe Saporito Jr.
and our newest Board member Ed Ackerman

And last but not least, I would like to introduce 5 special people who Robert loves very dearly.  His Grandparents, Bob & Betty Bernoskie, Tony & Virgina Ellis and his present TSS worker Michelle Goff who does an outstanding job with Robert.

Again thank you all for coming tonight.  It is because of your support on occasions like this that allows us to help so many special children with so many special needs. 

Thank you all and God Bless!

All proceeds benefited local autistic children through
the Earthly Angels Autism Fund of the Luzerne Foundation.

Thanks to everyone who have participated in helping make this
a successful event!