Why I Walk - Jeremy Riesenberg 

I walk for my son, Elijah, who was diagnosed with Autism in 2010 at the age of 2.

I walk for the sleepless nights in the early days of diagnosis, wondering what the future would hold.

I walk for the relentless commitment to the cause by my wife, who spent hours upon hours researching, reading, reaching out, working for a better future.

I walk for my son, Ryder, who does not have autism…, he who loves his brother with the purest of hearts. I walk for my boys, who sometimes play together, sharing a laugh or a smile.

I walk for more laughs and smiles, shared by us all in the future.

I walk for my son, Elijah, who will enjoy a future that will see him rise to the best of his abilities, thanks to the dedication of so many.

I walk for the peace of mind, knowing that this was my calling in life…that I am here on the Earth for a greater good. I walk for the service providers who have blessed my son with their passion and commitment to his cause, and the reaction they share with us at every breakthrough.

I walk for the breakthroughs…no matter how small or unexpected, no matter how long and difficult the path forged.

I walk because I can. Because I have a voice, and I refuse to accept a life lived any other way.

I walk because of everyone that my precious blue-eyed blonde has come to represent. The family, the friends, the support group…sharing the breakthroughs and the battles just the same.

I walk for the future. I walk because sometimes, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, come together for a common cause to change the future, and in doing so, change the world.

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