By Marianella Paul | Director Fundacion Autismo en Voz Alta
Every day I mourn the moments I cannot share or enjoy with my niece Cristi because she has autism. Every day I am also hopeful as I celebrate her achievements and cherish her smile, which motivates me to continue working day in day out with optimism and determination.
Coping with this complex and difficult reality has meant reinventing my relationship with Cristi. I live with the conviction that her education is the path to her development and independence. As a result, my actions, commitment and solidarity to her have translated into efforts to enhance her education.
Specifically, 10 years ago I founded Autismo en Voz Alta, a foundation that today serves 400 families including ours. I believe Autismo en Voz Alta is Cristi's legacy and the way to honor the talents and differences of those with her condition.
Although my own involvement has contributed to the advancement of our cause, Autismo en Voz Alta is the result of the commitment, support and participation of many who have believed in a future for Cristi and others like her. I can only feel grateful and optimistic, because as Mandela said, it always seems impossible until it is done.
This is why TODAY in the face of unrest, unforeseen challenges and circumstances in Venezuela, we are inspired and committed to the development and sustainability of Autismo en Voz Alta, an island of care and professionalism. How could we not be when every day millions of people that believe in a better future for Venezuela face and fight a complex and difficult reality of scarcity, insecurity, and inflation driven by the conviction that a new Venezuela is our legacy and the way we honor our youth.
We, at Autismo en Voz Alta, will continue supporting our community, working with optimism, determined to provide education to children with autism. Your support sustains our cause. We are grateful and honored by your trust. Thank you.
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