Donor Stories: Brian and Kristin Thompson
On Thursday, August 2, 2007 Reid Thompson, an 11-year-old boy with autism from Thousand Oaks, Calif., tragically and unexpectedly died in his sleep. Even though this was a catastrophic loss for his family, the Thompsons courageously made the decision to donate brain tissue to Autism Speaks' Autism Tissue Program (ATP) within the critical time period of less than 36 hours after Reid's death. The cause of his death is unknown as the autopsy results were all normal with the exception of his brain being slightly heavier than normal. Frequently people with autism do have a larger brain. Although the medical experts cannot provide a definitive cause of death, they hypothesize that Reid died from a massive seizure even though he had no history of seizures.
The day after Reid's “Celebration of Life” last August, the Thompson family, assisted by the Ventura County Autism Society of America, met with the ATP clinical staff in order to learn more about brain tissue donation. The ATP gives precious brain tissue to approved scientists worldwide, provides information to scientists, and encourages collaboration and cooperation between scientists all over the world.
Since becoming involved with Autism Speaks, Reid's family has helped facilitate autism research through various awareness and fundraising events. Reid's parents, Brian and Kristin Thompson, were guest lecturers ("The Joys of Raising a Special Family") at a graduate-level class at California State University Los Angeles where they shared their experiences as parents along with Dr. Jane Pickett, director of the ATP. Additionally, on April 26, 2008 Team Reid raised more than $4,500 at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism. Molly Rearick, Reid's former teacher at The H.E.L.P. Group, organized more than 20 Team Reid participants, including Reid's family, former teachers and caregivers, his friends and Dr. Pickett. Team Reid members wore special Reid T-shirts and buttons, and assisted at the ATP exhibit.
In addition to these wonderful efforts, The Thompson family is currently working to spread their passions for supporting the autism community and endurance events by helping to develop Train4Autism. This program is dedicated to working with people who want to train for and participate in an endurance event, while raising funds for autism, reach their goals and support the autism community. For more information on this program and their support of Autism Speaks, please look out for their website launch in the coming weeks at www.train4autism.org
Reid's parents continue to seek answers about his untimely death, not only for their own closure, but also to help other families with autism. “Reid had autism but we don't know exactly why his life here with us was cut short,” said Brian Thompson. “Doctors at Harvard University working with the ATP will soon be examining tissue taken from Reid in hopes of providing our family, friends, and others impacted by autism with the answers we seek.”
The Autism Tissue Program is also deeply concerned about mortality issues and unexpected death and is actively pursuing these issues.
More information on the ATP can be found at: www.autismtissueprogram.org or contact Maria Pons at (877) 333-0999. The ATP is deeply grateful to the Thompson family for their efforts to advance research into the causes and treatments for autism.
The day after Reid's “Celebration of Life” last August, the Thompson family, assisted by the Ventura County Autism Society of America, met with the ATP clinical staff in order to learn more about brain tissue donation. The ATP gives precious brain tissue to approved scientists worldwide, provides information to scientists, and encourages collaboration and cooperation between scientists all over the world.
Since becoming involved with Autism Speaks, Reid's family has helped facilitate autism research through various awareness and fundraising events. Reid's parents, Brian and Kristin Thompson, were guest lecturers ("The Joys of Raising a Special Family") at a graduate-level class at California State University Los Angeles where they shared their experiences as parents along with Dr. Jane Pickett, director of the ATP. Additionally, on April 26, 2008 Team Reid raised more than $4,500 at the Autism Speaks Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism. Molly Rearick, Reid's former teacher at The H.E.L.P. Group, organized more than 20 Team Reid participants, including Reid's family, former teachers and caregivers, his friends and Dr. Pickett. Team Reid members wore special Reid T-shirts and buttons, and assisted at the ATP exhibit.
In addition to these wonderful efforts, The Thompson family is currently working to spread their passions for supporting the autism community and endurance events by helping to develop Train4Autism. This program is dedicated to working with people who want to train for and participate in an endurance event, while raising funds for autism, reach their goals and support the autism community. For more information on this program and their support of Autism Speaks, please look out for their website launch in the coming weeks at www.train4autism.org
Reid's parents continue to seek answers about his untimely death, not only for their own closure, but also to help other families with autism. “Reid had autism but we don't know exactly why his life here with us was cut short,” said Brian Thompson. “Doctors at Harvard University working with the ATP will soon be examining tissue taken from Reid in hopes of providing our family, friends, and others impacted by autism with the answers we seek.”
The Autism Tissue Program is also deeply concerned about mortality issues and unexpected death and is actively pursuing these issues.
More information on the ATP can be found at: www.autismtissueprogram.org or contact Maria Pons at (877) 333-0999. The ATP is deeply grateful to the Thompson family for their efforts to advance research into the causes and treatments for autism.
Members of Team Reid at the Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism
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If you have a story you wish to tell about choosing to donate to or raising money for Autism Speaks, we'd like to hear from you. Please e-mail us at editors@autismspeaks.org.
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