A Mother Advocates with Love

James is turning 50. He has become more and more independent. He works full time, cooks for himself, and manages the finances and daily mail. He’s an excellent driver and has been driving for 30 years. He’s a talented artist who works with colored pencils and markers. He loves music and plays the organ and the clarinet. He enjoys ballroom dancing and square dancing.

Challenging a doctor's pessimistic diagnosis

Nobody could have made me believe that things would turn out so well. Back in the late 1950s, when James was 5, a doctor tested him and actually told me that he "tested dead." Imagine having a doctor say this about your child. He told me to put him in an institution and to "forget that he ever lived." Instead, I encouraged him to develop to his full potential. I was so thankful for his progress. Over the years, the words "autism" and "Asperger’s syndrome" became used to define the challenges that people like James face.

Fraser is a star in the sky

Today, my message is one of hope. What I have learned in my 82 years is that there is always hope. I have visions that someday autism will be a thing of the past, that we will overcome it. This is why I’m so supportive of the work that Fraser does. I tell everyone I know about Fraser. It’s such a meaningful place. Fraser is a star in the sky. It’s special, and we must let the world know it. To me, the Fraser name is synonymous with children and health.

How can you help?

I guess you could say that I’m an advocate for Fraser. I challenge each of you reading this to think about what you, personally, can do to help. Some of us are able to spread the word, some are able to volunteer our time, and others are able to provide financial support. All are important in the work being done to help people like my James and the others featured [here].

James brings unbelievable joy

When I think about it, I can’t imagine my life without James. It would be an absolute zero. He has taught me so much. He taught me what love is. He taught me patience. He taught me appreciation for living. Many people say, "Isn’t it unfortunate?" when a child has a disability, but I say it’s fortunate. God knew what he was doing when he sent James to me. The joy that he has brought is unbelievable.