My 'Why'

Yesterday was the big day. I worked for 6 months to organize the Pathways to Hope Autism Conference for local families, and yesterday it all came together.

This was the 6th year for this event. It's the only one of its type in the state, and I believe in the Midwest.

The first year I planned this event, there was just one track of talks, six speakers, no vendors or sponsors. I had never organized an event of this type, and had no idea what I was getting into. That first year I was just doing what I could, and yet it was a huge success! We brought in a nationally renowned doctor from out of state. We had 150 people in the building. We helped many families.

As the event has progressed, I have added features for different reasons. Two tracks, and vendors, to bring in more families. Scholarships for families who can't afford to register. Sponsors, to help cover costs and provide giveaways to attendees. The option to purchase lunch, so that attendees can stay on site and make connections with each other. For several years, a parent panel, which allowed moms to share their stories of hope with new families. This year, we added interpreters, so that moms from the deaf community could join us for the event.

This year, we had 2 tracks, 8 speakers, 10 sessions, 12 vendors, and 12 sponsors. My final to-do list had 129 items on it.

I have been lucky to have many helpers with this project; people who believe in me and/or the reason for this event, and so have shown their support in many ways. Some stuffed folders, delivered fliers, sent emails, purchased supplies. Some moved chairs, created signs, introduced speakers, or worked the registration table. I could not have put on an event like this alone, and I'm so grateful to each of them for their help leading up to, at, and after the event. 

I'm also grateful for the support of my workplace, Cornerstone Autism Center. I am glad to have had the opportunity to bring this event to our families and community.

My friend Christine was a vendor with Wildtree

Organizing an event of this size is daunting. Coordinating over 100 people, including vendors, sponsors, speakers, interpreters, volunteers and attendees, is a monumental task. I have help, but in the end, the majority of the work comes down to me. I say this not to brag or to complain, but to be real and authentic, and honor my truth. Each year, at some point, the event becomes overwhelming to me. I ask myself, why? Why do I work so hard on this event? Why do I sacrifice so much, and continue to choose to do this event every year? Why is this so important to me?

Registered Dietitian Staci Small speaks in Room 1

But each year I hear the feedback at the event and afterward, and I gain a boost of positive energy. I'm reminded of my 'why': "This was amazing." "This was so needed." "Great event, well run, tremendous organization!! I’d love to return in the future." "I didn't know there were so many resources." "This event gave me hope."

And so each year the conference has taken place, with tweaks, changes, and improvements. Each year the event takes a new form, and Hope comes alive for one day.

I realize that my reason for doing this, my 'why', has so many facets. I want parents to know that their kids can get better. I want to see them encouraged to help their kids. I want to give them the tools to do so, to see them begin to implement those tools, and to hear later that their kids are improving.

I want to help all of the children.

But this conference needs to change in many ways if it's to continue. I don't know what the next event will bring.

I do know that I want to do things differently. It can't be what it is now. But it can still be. And that gives me hope.

Members of the parent support groups Hope for our Children and Indiana Biomedical Kids

I know that I want parents of all kids with (dis)abilities to see that their kids can have a better quality of life. I know that I want to expand the resources offered. I know that I want to keep Hope alive. And I also know that I want more help. 

If you would like to contribute in some way to the next event, please reach out. Let's brainstorm together.

Today, though, I rest. I bask in the magnificence of playing an instrumental role in an event of this size, which brought resources and information to so many. I pause to consider its impact, and how it can grow and adapt to my needs as well as those of my community.

I did this. I created something big, and wonderful, and amazing. I believed in it, and I made it happen, and I'm really, really proud of it.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this year's Pathways to Hope Conference. I am so grateful for all of you. Thank you for being a part of something that means so much to me. For believing in me. For your part in this thing that was bigger than ourselves.

And now to rest. Recharge. Recover.

And dream-- of what the future can bring. What new, big things we can do together. What inspiration is waiting for us, just around the next corner.

Because truly I know that tomorrow can always be better than today, and that there can always, always be more Hope.