This year my family and I will be participating again in the Autism Superhero 5k—so we need your help! Last year we brought in $6,000 in donations and are ready to start fundraising again for such a great cause that positively impacts the Autism community! We are so grateful for our village and all those who continue to support Luca.

If you choose to support Luca’s Pack in the 2023 Autism Superhero 5K—know that your donation will help fuel the vision of HMEA's Autism Resource Central: to be the center of the autism community in Central Massachusetts; a role they’ve held for more than 25 years. Today, that vision is realized through engagement with more than 4,000 children, adults, and families every year seeking resources, skill-building opportunities, and an understanding community. Your support is greatly appreciated, and your help in sharing the mission of the 2023 Autism Superhero 5K with your community is deeply valued.

OUR STORY : Around here we spread awareness about Luca and autism every day, every month, every year. Luca was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder in September of 2019. Luca has not let his diagnosis slow him down. He works incredibly hard every single day in all his therapies and is making such amazing progress. A year ago Luca had minimal verbal language, he didn’t even call me Mommy. Today not only does he say my name, he says all his family members names. He knows his therapists names and some friends. He says his name and he spells it. He can count to 100, tell you all his letters. He will correct you if you tell him the wrong color or if the animal you think is a Wooly Mammoth is in-fact a Mastodon. Luca is Autistic and autism is his superpower. He owns it and we couldn’t be more proud.  Does Luca still have meltdowns when he can’t express what he needs or when we don’t understand what he wants? Absolutely. Is it frustrating and heartbreaking at times? Yes, but we get through it—together. Autism is not a dirty word over here. With spreading awareness our goal is for the rest of the world to accept him plus children and adults like him. As a mother I will NEVER stop fighting for my children. I hope for a world where Autism Acceptance is the standard.