When our son was first diagnosed, we were lost, confused, and literally didn't even know where to start. FOCUS was one of our very first phone calls for help. We'll never forget then-Director Lucy Cusick's warmth and positivity when she answered the phone. She told us, "You bring that sweet baby here next Saturday for photos with Santa. We can't wait to meet you." In what was a sea of darkness at the time, Lucy was the much-needed beacon of light.

FOCUS' unconditional acceptance of our family and guidance in unchartered territory helped us realize that we wanted to do the same for other families. As a result, we shifted our law firm's practice of corporate and healthcare law to special needs law. It's been 15 years, and we've never looked back. Every day we are so thankful for the opportunity to help families like ours. FOCUS has been and continues to be a cornerstone of our journey, and we are ever so grateful for the support and much-needed services FOCUS provides for our community.

My involvement with special needs children goes back many years. I was fortunate to attend a high school that encouraged volunteering. I volunteered at a program for children with Autism in the 1960s, the Peninsula Children's Center. This program was near my home in Menlo Park, California. I taught children with Autism how to swim!!! I had a fantastic Biology teacher at the school who encouraged me to pursue a career in science. I was fortunate to attend Cornell and then Case Western for Medical School. Neurosciences were my passion. I was able to connect my interest in children with special needs and my love of Neuroscience. In Cleveland, I was involved in the United Cerebral Palsy and in Health Hill Rehab Hospital for Children. When I moved to Atlanta, I found FOCUS and Lucy. No one ever says "NO" to Lucy. I found her AMAZING. She was involved developing programs to support for the children and families I really cared for the most.

I have been volunteering with FOCUS since I was teenager when I was introduced to the organization through a volunteer group called National Charity League. I signed up for Camp Hollywood having no idea what to expect and ended the week gushing with excitement of how incredible the campers were and how rewarding it was to be a part of. To say I was hooked would be an understatement. I came back every year I possibly could and then applied to be a FOCUS summer intern in college. That summer as an intern leading silly science experiments or groups of fun-loving campers was one of my favorites I've ever had.

I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in nursing. I knew a lot of FOCUS programming required a nurse, so I was excited to be able to use my newfound skills to help out where I could. From Saturday Respites to Camp Infinity, I found so much joy myself in being able to put a smile on someone's face. There's nothing quite like the cheers of watching a camper finish climbing the rock wall or a standing ovation at the talent show. In addition to camp, I also enjoy helping out FOCUS in whatever way I can whether it's doing hospital visits, filling in as FOCUS ambassador, or participating in some of the many events FOCUS delivers. My heart belongs to FOCUS and the wonderful families that it serves. My life has been forever changed because of this organization and the people that I have met along the way.