Lauren and Matt McCaffery

Our son, Alex, was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in 2006 and we began the lengthy and expensive journey into the world of autism spectrum disorders and early intervention. We have been honored to be the recipients of the “Michael Glabicki” scholarship through Project iAm to help pay for early intervention therapy in 2009 and to help send our son to a residential summer camp for children with special needs in 2014 and 2015. It has meant so much to us to be able to provide Alex with these opportunities and we would not have been able to do that without Project iAm. I knew that giving back would be the only way to show all of our gratitude so I began volunteering with Project iAm in 2010. Life was crazy and busy so I began by just donating water and soda for the annual Acoustics for Autism. However, as time has passed, I am proud to have been involved as a volunteer for the RibOff at the Lucas County Fair and for the annual “Plugged In” concerts. It is a great way to meet other parents struggling with the complexities of having children with autism. And guess what? It is also a ton of fun! Another really neat experience is when I was able to meet the musician, Michael Glabicki, who has supported Project iAm from the beginning and has sponsored Alex’s scholarships. What an honor to be able to say “thank you” in person. Northwest Ohio has been blessed to have such a loyal and local grassroots organization here to help our kids. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of Project iAm and their amazing mission. -Lauren and Matt McCaffery