Rock the Boat for Autism Rowers Land in Sea Isle City!
On June 12th, 2009 Rock the Boat for Autism launched from Boca Raton, Florida for a 1500 mile row up the intercoastal waterway with plans to land in Sea Isle City, New Jersey on August 1st. Their mission: to raise awareness of autism and to raise funds for the Autism Society of America (ASA).
Along the way, rowers Ryan Meyer, James O'Donoghue, John Lose, Dan McCann, and Larry Maher encountered hardships including 30-40 mile per day rows, swarms of insects, rough water and blistering hot days. They also had the pleasure of seeing manatees, dolphins and alligators, watching a satellite be launched into orbit, and meeting many kind and generous people along the way who provided them with food and shelter.
Raising Awareness of Autism.
The mission of Rock the Boat is to raise money for autism awareness and research. In addition to raising money they are also raising awareness themselves. Autism rates have been soaring over the past two decades. There are theories and speculations as to what is causing the increase, but as of yet there is no definitive answer.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and today one in every 150 children is diagnosed with the condition which develops at birth or by the age of three. Three out of four of those diagnosed are boys. In New Jersey, the rates are higher. Again, no one is quite sure why this would be. Fortunately New Jersey is leading the country in services for those with the disability, but there is still a long way to go.
While these numbers are startlingly high, keep in mind that even if you do not know a person with autism personally, everyone is affected in some way. Dealing with autism places an enormous stress on families and sadly the result is often divorce. It is estimated that the cost of autism nationally is 90 billion dollars and that is expected to more than double in the next decade.
Hope and Inspiration
Forget the numbers for a moment and look at the people. With great challenges come great rewards. Families of children with autism rarely expect to have an autistic child, but you will find very few who will not say that their live have ultimately been enriched by the experience. For those with the disability, they may have challenges different from others, but overcoming those challenges and growing beyond their perceived potential brings a great sense of accomplishment.
In the end, we are all striving to be something more than we are today. Trying to reach goals that seem to be just beyond our reach. And when we meet those goals there is no better feeling. The rowers of Rock the Boat for Autism are awe-inspiring example.
How You Can Help
In appreciation for what they have accomplished and what all those affected by autism have been accomplishing all along, we would like to help out by contributing to the cause. When you enter the coupon code ROCKTHEBOAT at checkout and we will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale to RockTheBoat.org to help raise awareness for autism.
The coupon is good for any purchase on the website. We have also added a limited edition Rock The Boat for Autism replica of the boat(s) the rowers used on their journey. In addition, to thank you for your support we will give you free shipping on the order when you use the coupon.
Thank you in advance for helping us to help Rock the Boat for Autism. You can also find out more about them and their ongoing mission, as well as make a donation directly from their site at www.rocktheboatforautism.org. Thank you.
