Taking dreams and turning them into possibilities

On Friday, June 18th, Jeremy Sicile-Kira graduated from high school with a full academic diploma and a GPA of 3.7 last week despite being severely impacted by autism and having to use assisstive technology to communicate. He gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.

"Teachers, never underestimate your students no matter how disabled they may appear or what difficulties they face. Parents, believe in your children, and encourage them to fulfill their dreams..."

A few days ago Jeremy sent me a very nice e-mail about his future plans.

“My goal after graduation is to attend community college, to help others, and raise autism awareness about teens and young adults by continuing to write. My next project is to write and publish an online newsletter.”

And also...

“My immediate project is to present to two autism parent support groups - The National Autism Association (NAA) Metro Chapter, and their support group on Staten Island (for more information on these support groups visit www.naanyc.org.)

This idea came from the fact that I wanted to visit New York this summer to visit family and friends. Also, I get emails from people who tell me they are inspired by my story and want to know how I became the success I am today. My mom said I had to find the money myself to pay for the trip for me and a support person. Two local NY chapters of the NAA offered me some donations to help pay for the trip, but I need more to cover the cost of the trip (airline tickets, ground transportation, two nights hotel in Manhattan, food, etc).

My mom nicely encourages me to pay for what I want. I made enough money one year to buy my assistance dog and best friend, Handsome, by starting my own flower business on my high school campus.”

Thanks to the generosity of other sponsors Jeremy is getting very close to his goal and only needs to raise $250 for his trip to New York.

We are proud to sponsor Jeremy and help him reach his goal in any way we can.

We will give one third of our gross profits from all wine or wine club membership purchases back to Jeremy when you select “JEREMY” at check out.

We hope that Jeremy’s story inspires many people.

Please feel free to share this blog with friends.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones,

Christine