Deep gratitude

Before I start 'thanking' the people who donated to TACA on our family's behalf after I announced my 5K plan, I'm going to express my gratitude to my first donors, who I am reasonably confident are not motivated by a desire to torture me.

• My mother, Kathie Cocks. OK, she might owe me a few hours of punishment. If I had announced this before she gave her gift, she might have funded the full amount. Seriously, though, she is an amazing grandmother to Leah, completely supportive of everything, and even willing to do overnight babysitting and give supplements. That may seem like the world's feeblest compliment, but trust me, it isn't. Sadly, I have met autism parents who tell me about grandparents who are unwilling to be left alone with their autistic grandchildren. We know what we have, and we're grateful for it.
• Isaac and Sheila Heimbinder. The Heimbinders lived down the street from us when I was in elementary school. They have been generous to TACA every year since our chapter formed. They saw a few of my attempts to play sports as a kid and if they've read about the 5K plan, they might be thinking, "Yeah, right."
• Chris and Christine Donnelly and John Blasi and Kathy Stohr. Unfailingly supportive every year. We go back to college and late nights at The Observer (longer ago than anyone cares to admit). If they'd known about the 5K, they might have kept their wallets closed. They've seen me stumble around enough already.
• Debbie Wetzel. Debbie runs Partners For Success, which is a great source of information and assistance for parents of kids with all types of disabilities in our county school system. Their lending library is great, convenient, and free. Debbie comes to our meetings when she can and spreads the word about our chapter.
• Eric and Kera Matsui. They moved in down the street last summer and they already fit into our neighborhood like they've been here for years. Their families might want to stage an intervention.
• Mike and Leslie McQuade. See above. Only difference is, they live across the street.
• Cheryl Peeples. An amazing mother warrior. I met her at an Autism One conference several years back. I'm hoping to get back to another one sometime soon, and when I do, I hope she'll be there.
• Steve and Melissa Slatnick. Great neighbors, great supporters of our family. If I'd asked Steve's advice, he probably would have suggested a bike ride instead of a run.
• Ben and Jonnie Dorman. Cherished friends from my family's time living in England. Lauren and Maddie had great fun meeting their grandchildren on our recent trip to California.

I try to do 'real' thank you notes too, which I usually save until the end of the campaign in June, when I can report our total. In the meantime, maybe a virtual shout-out isn't too much of an etiquette violation? Thank you all for your gifts to TACA. Our page is still live, until June 30.