TAKING IT TO THE STREETS FOR TACA

(NOTE: You can donate to Dean's team, info at the end of this post.)

By Dean Fulton

The Tacoma City Marathon this Saturday has special significance this year, although few in the crowd may realize it. A lone runner in a gaudy red jersey will be unapologetically moving his feet for one of the growing grassroots autism support organizations aimed at forwarding the agenda of providing active, meaningful ground support for families living with autism. 

That runner is me - Dean Fulton - a freshly minted Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Dad in Washington State.

This year I "came out of the closet" to my friends and colleagues about our son's journey with autism and I'll publicly suffer muscle twitches and pray not to throw up in the final delirium to raise money to provide journey guides, speakers, mentors and support for our seedling TACA families this year.

My TACA jersey is my personal red badge of courage. Like Stephen Crane's flawed protagonist in that novel of the Civil War (my son’s name is Grant Lee after all), I quite literally ran in fear from this tragedy as it unfolded - it's certainly no coincidence I took up running as my hobby the month our son was first labeled autistic. And it quickly grew in my life - I threw myself into it - casting a worried glance over my shoulder as I strode toward the front door, trying not to focus on my harried wife, sitting astride the autism elephant in our living room.

That year I reconciled my life, padding softly through the streets of sleepy Olympia I started my emotional journey as a father living with autism trying to make sense of the reality of the struggles we faced and my role in it. I regret to say in those early days, I rationalized a lot - occasionally reaching self-serving conclusions.

My wife (and hero) attacked this differently. A researcher by nature, she hit the books and learned autism was treatable. She called other moms. She invented breads made out of honey and chickpeas. She let me shine at Floortime and the family finances and didn't make me sit through lectures about elevated cytokines.
 
And as Grant improved, she got interested in helping the cause. And now, I am interested too.

I will humbly join her among the ranks of altruistic parents and caring friends who are unapologetically waving the 'Autism is Treatable' flag. In part, I admit, I'll do this to assuage the sinking feeling of owing to all who made Grant's progress possible. But mostly, I do it because I've overcome that fear and discovered an empathy I never knew I had. And to ignore that impulse to give other parents information that could help them is unthinkable.

I'll run for the all families who endure endless, invisible autism marathons and seek personal finish lines of any sort. All progress matters.

I'll run for the clinicians, the therapists, the teachers and caregivers who continue to witness the tragedy and refuse to give up.

I'll run for the parents we've come to know and love so dearly - who have helped us so much and continue to fight for their children one day at a time, just as we do. 

I'll run for Grant's grandparents who shared in this misery with us and had the wisdom to let us do what we had to do.

I'll run for my wife - who, like many primary caregivers went through a very lonely time when she wouldn't allow herself the luxury of denial while everyone else did.

I'll run for Grant - who seems to be winning his battle with autism, mostly intact.

And, less nobly, I'll run so I can drink a pitcher of beer and eat a whole pizza afterward.

I set my goal at $5,000 but now realize that sum is far too low for the good work we need to do. Sadly, the $194 per mile I've raised so far won't come anywhere what we need to change the course of autism for families this year. Now that I've reached that goal, I'll continue trying to raise more.

Think of me on Saturday, and know I will keep running toward this cause - and not away - because there's hope. There's no way I'm not crossing the finish line. Grassroots organizations were there for me in those early days and now I am glad to be here to pick up that battered flag and carry on.

Dean Fulton
Olympia, WA

Dean Fulton is running the Tacoma City Marathon this May to raise funds for autism support and educational resources for parents in need. Be sure to visit his page: 

http://www.firstgiving.com/deanfulton

Comments

[TRISH MASON]

I HAVE KNOWN YOU GUYS FOR SO LONG..WE HAVE GROWN TOGETHER...YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE YOUR LITTLE FAMILY DEEPLY...WE HAVE ALL HAD DIFFERENT JOURNEYS THESE PAST FEW YEARS BUT ALWAYS KNOW I AM A TRUE FRIEND AND BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING YOU ARE ABOUT..WE WILL BE THERE TOMORROW, SOMEWHERE IN THE CROWD..FEEL OUR ENERGY TOMORROW

[Ricci King]

Wonderful essay, Dean. It is such a privilege to know you, Denise, Grant, and the rest of the TACA WA team. You are an inspiration for many families. I couldn't wait to meet you, because Denise would speak of you with such love and admiration. I will be thinking of you on Saturday.

[Heather Watkins]

I am so touched by your message, Dean! I will proudly send this to every dad facing the marathon of autism. YOu are in my thoughts on Saturday. Will be sending you good energy all the way from Texas!

[Dan Olmsted]

Dean -- and Denise and Grant -- More power to you! I've been so fortunate to know you all and your friends in Olympia these past couple of years and to see you take your success with Grant and share it with others. Just remember Dean, "Health is a stage you pass through on your way to becoming a marathon runner." So enjoy your beer and pizza -- it is much deserved. Your friend, Dan.

[lisa thompson]

There is nothing gaudy about the TACA logo! As a graphic designer as well as an autism parent, I think the TACA logo is a fine example of good design and visual communication. Like the TACA mission, the logo/shirt is bold and beautiful and has a succinct message. I hope you get lots of shout outs from the crowd during your marathon mission, proudly wearing your red badge of courage. Good luck!

Lisa

[SAM]

AWSOME! In the same vein, my own dh had generationrescue jersey's made up at his own expense to wear during ironman competitions. I'm so proud of him and you, Dean!

[Lisa A]

Love and appreciate you Dean!

[Barbie Hines]

What a beautiful tribute...especially to your wife...Grant is so very lucky to have you both! And most importantly, congratulations to Grant...for enduring his marathon...what a wonderful Mother's Day for all of you!

[Jeanne]

Great, now I have to go fix my raccoon eyes!

Way to go Dean! We'll be sending out good energy for you Saturday! :-)