Jaci Velasquez Walks for Autism
Rather than curling up in a ball and deciding that one personal battle was enough, she headed straight to the front line, teaming with Autism Speaks to speak up and speak out for the organization that works so hard to help those families impacted by autism. She became the official spokesperson for 2013's Tennessee Walk Now fundraiser. "Coming to terms with a child's diagnosis, especially when it's your child, is not an easy thing to do right off the bat," Jaci said in a press release. "We are all living in a society where labels hold a significant amount of influence. By associating with Autism Speaks, I can champion an advocacy organization that sponsors autism research, hosts awareness and outreach activities for families and the public, and is working to change the way the nation looks at autism."
"I am honored and humbled to take on the responsibilities of being the spokesperson of 2013," she continued. "Although the emotions that I am feeling are unfamiliar and uncharted, I find comfort and unwavering support through my faith, family and both old and new friends alike."
Velasquez represented Autism Speaks Tennessee at several major fall events, including the Autism Speaks Kick-Off Celebration, the Autism Speaks Presents Autism Sings! concert, and the Autism Speaks Tennessee Walk Now fundraiser in Nashville, Tennessee, which raised $120,963 when it was held on October 5, 2013.
As she learns first-hand what the challenges of having an austic child are, she becomes more determined to find the joys as well. "What Zealand has taught me, and continues to teach me each day is that societal labels don't mean a thing," Jaci shared. "I see and hear 'genius' when I read and hear 'autistic'. Being diagnosed with autism is to be presented with an original gift. My mission is to harvest the gifts that Zealand has been given and not overlook them. I will not overlook Zealand's gift, and I want to encourage everyone else too...DO NOT MISS THE GIFT!!"
Tags : Jaci Velasquez Autism Salvador
Hot Trends
-
Hillsong Church's First Worship Pastor Geoff Bullock Speaks Up About the Abuses in the Church
-
Rachel Mac Welcomes Baby Girl
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
CeCe Winans “More Than This” Album Review
-
Luther Wardlaw Of The Famed Wardlaw Brothers Embarks On Solo Career
-
Forrest Frank Announces Deluxe Version of Hit Album "Child of God"
-
Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans Unite for "Holy Forever (Live)"
-
Katy Nichole Reveals How Suffering Gave Birth to "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)"
-
Family Takes Leap Of Faith To Travel U.S. Engaging Churches In Mental Health Discussion, Suicide Prevention
-
Tasha Cobbs Releases New Devotional
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship
Most Popular
-
Hillsong Church's First Worship Pastor Geoff Bullock Speaks Up About the Abuses in the Church
-
Rachel Mac Welcomes Baby Girl
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Carroll McGruder, of the McGruders, Passes Away
-
Here Are Lyrics to Darlene Zschech's "Yes Again"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
CeCe Winans “More Than This” Album Review
-
Luther Wardlaw Of The Famed Wardlaw Brothers Embarks On Solo Career
-
Forrest Frank Announces Deluxe Version of Hit Album "Child of God"
-
Jenn Johnson and CeCe Winans Unite for "Holy Forever (Live)"
-
Katy Nichole Reveals How Suffering Gave Birth to "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)"
-
Family Takes Leap Of Faith To Travel U.S. Engaging Churches In Mental Health Discussion, Suicide Prevention
-
Tasha Cobbs Releases New Devotional
-
Hillsong's Reuben Morgan Opens Up About What Darlene Zschech Taught Him About Worship