Rolling at the Timothy School

Yesterday we had the privelege of visiting the Timothy School located in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The Timothy School specializes in educational programs which address the strengths and needs of each student in the areas of cognitive, motor, communication, social and sensory development. Although the school serves children diagnosed with autism or pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), our day with the students was all about having fun and putting the children first.

Upon arrival the RFA team met the enthusiastic staff and watched a touching video about the various programs offered at the Timothy School. After this informative meeting the RFA team once again menatlly prepared for an afternoon of skating. However, this skating session was unlike the physically gruelling, mentally challenging skates endured by the team over the last six weeks. Upon entering the gym and meeting the students, our sore legs, blistered heals, and fatigued mental states quickly disapated. As we helped the children strap on their rollerskates and pads we quickly realized that our personal ailments took a back seat to these truelly remarkable kids. Their excitement filled the room and before we knew it they were flying around showing the RFA team what real skating is all about. They smiled when they learned that they could succeed at propelling themselves around the gym. They laughed when they realized it really didn't hurt that bad when they fell. They smiled again when they understood that they had the ability to get up after they fell and try again. Most importantly these children transferred their energy to our staff and reinforced our belief that children with autism are just that, children, and that autism does not define them. What defines them are their heart warming smiles, their unique ability to touch those around them, and their individuality. Our day at the Timothy School flew by and it was hours before any of us began to think about the hundreds of miles left to skate as we make our way to Maine. Thanks to all the members of the Timothy School staff for giving us the opportunity to interact with your wonderful students, we look forward to working with you and your organization in the very near future.

Just a reminder that we will be making our national television debut tomorrow morning on Good Morning America between 830 and 900 a.m. We look forward to encouraging viewers across the nation to get involved with autism and support our cause. We look forward to all of your comments on how we did!

Oh no, Barry Bonds just hit number 756 to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, let's hope we don't get bumped from tomorrow mornings show in light of this new milestone in sports history...oh well, I'm off to bed before tomorrow mornings big show.

Blessings-a-plenty,

Carson S.

p.s- Happy 65th wedding anniversary to my grandparents Lois and Fred Heinlen...I appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you guys after our trip!