I was a little taken aback when my brother-from-another-mother said he thought I was one of the most optimistic people in autism.  It's curious because I don't consider myself an optimist.  I just think that given enough time, resources, and thought human beings will find answers to even the most difficult questions.  Yes, I expect there to be a lot of dead-ends, but there will eventually be solutions.  Our children aren't suffering because of evil spirits or the wrath of God.  Something isn't working properly in their bodies and we need to determine exactly what it is and fix it.  Is that optimism or simply the way the world works? 

I spent some time with one of the doctors who's worked with my daughter in the past and found she's also heard rumors about a retroviral connection to autism.  Adding to the rumor mill she told me she thinks the scientists doing the research have a good idea of how to go after the virus, although that information hasn't yet been shared.  She's not convinced the retroviral connection will be the entire story with autism and is waiting until there's good data on the treatments before suggesting them to her patients.  Despite what's usually presented in the mainstream press regarding doctors who work with bio-medical treatments I rarely find them to be the wild-eyed radicals so often portrayed. They're generally serious, sober professionals and want to find the answers as much as any of us.

I was interviewed by a reporter for Natural News who's familiar with my work and I tell her the story of how I feel I've had the quickest autism recovery story with my son, Ben, and the longest and still unsuccessful recovery with my daughter, Jacqueline.  I tell her I don't know if the problem was caused by a toxin, a bacterial or fungal infection, or a virus, but I know the chain of events started with a vaccination.  When she asked whether I'm still hopeful for my daughter I said yes, because I'm not sure we've found what's wrong with her.  If we can find and treat it I expect she'll get better, even though she's twelve years old.  I recall how there were so many AIDS patients who were literally weeks away from death before they got their treatments and they're now living full, productive lives.  Why should I expect our children to be any different?

The lights went down and we all moved to the auditorium for the show.  Jenny came on the stage looking dazzling and let loose with a few zingers which let the audience know they're now among the warriors.  The comedians, Whitney Cummings, Heather McDonald, Gary Valentine, and Josh Wolf were all hilarious and the local radio DJ, Sterling James did a great job as co-host of the event.

In the middle of the show there was a request for donations for families who can't afford treatment and of course I donated more than I thought was wise given my financial situation.  But I didn't really care.  As powerful as the forces of pharma and the medical establishment arrayed against us are I couldn't help but be inspired by the people around me. They are my heroes and we are bound together in a fellowship.  I want to support them as much as I can.

As often as we rail against the bad guys, I think it's just as important to thank the good guys.  Whether that's simply sending an e-mail to Generation Rescue expressing your appreciation for their efforts, or donating more money that you think is wise I strongly recommend it.  We will all benefit from such help.

Generation Rescue can be reached HERE.

Kent Heckenlively is a Contributing Editor to Age of Autism