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Jacquie Hamilton has a story she wants to share—a story that is not just hers, but one that many other parents can relate to.

The Greenville Middle School teacher is the mother of an autistic child, Jalen. She knows that dealing with that diagnosis requires more than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and she’s passionate about raising awareness and improving understanding of this often misunderstand medical condition.

With this in mind, the educator and parent has organized the “I Love You to Pieces” Autism Awareness Charity Event, set for Friday, April 30 in Georgiana.

The event will kick off at 7 p.m. that evening at Just J’s Event Center, 424 E. Railroad Ave., South Unit A.

“I just want to keep raising awareness because a lot of families are impacted by autism, which affects every child, every family differently—that’s why it’s called a spectrum,” stressed Hamilton.

One in 54 children are diagnosed with autism. That’s one out of every 34 boys and one out of 144 girls. Forty percent of those children are nonverbal, and up to forty percent of them struggle with anxiety.

Hamilton believes that if more people were better educated about autism and how it affects those directly impacted by the condition, there would be more understanding and compassion shown to the mothers, fathers and children experiencing difficult times.

The event will kick off at 7 PM, April 30, at Just J’s Event Center, 424 E. Railroad Ave., South Unit A.

“I want to invite everyone to come and join us in raising and celebrating autism awareness. Come and join in Jalen’s fight,” said Hamilton. “Autism speaks—are you listening?”

 

For more information about the autism awareness charity event, contact Jacquie Hamilton at (334) 662-8828.