Today in the local Point Pleasant area newspaper, The Ocean Star featured me in their weekly People Profile.

I will admit that I was a bit nervous and not sure I was worthy of such a feature. In early 2009 I was asked to be profiled and had declined as I was not comfortable with what I thought could be self promotion. Well a lot has happened since then and I have realized that an opportunity like this is something I should NOT pass up and in the end it is not about me at all…..it is about doing something and making a difference….and not talking about it.

With all the causes and difficult times we all face I felt that I could not sit on the sidelines and talk, second guess, arm chair quarterback, I knew I needed to get out there and “do something about something” and make a difference.

Yes, my son has Autism and that is my main focus, however I have also been blessed in meeting others that are also “doing something” about a cause close to them and that are helping others.  This group is what I have come to call – The Difference Makers –. Seth Grumet of Stomp the Monster and James Armstrong of Soldiers Race Team are two that come to mind.

I also want to Thank my family and friends for all they have done for me and for being there during good and challenging times…..I am truly blessed.

Check out the article below, consider Joining our team for Autism and if nothing else get off the sidelines and ….Be a difference Maker!

Missing from this picture is my Step Son Sean Malone….JT and McKayla’s big brother.

Special thanks to JT Team members and race organizers Brian Wilton and Tom Manzi. Nice work AGAIN!

The Team was well represented with all the runners competing hard and Maggie Freeman winning the overall woman’s Duathalon!

Great event, Great day and Great cause…..Thank you ALL! I will be racing next year…for sure!

Click HERE for more great pictures!

This Sunday along the beautiful Belmar, Lake Como and Spring Lake shore all types of athletes…NO….TRIathletes will be participating in the 3rd annual Tri for Autism.

 Like all great events they are run by volunteers and there is always a need for more.
So if anyone would like to lend a hand and or mouth (lots of yelling and direction giving) then consider coming up the beach at 5:30 am were the event volunteer coordinator would be more than happy to say hello and get you out to help. (event ends early so you can go back to bed or pass out on the beach;-)
I personally will be at the Bike/Run transition area that is always a lot of fun!
Also I am looking for a few individuals to help me out on August 17th at the 3rd Long Branch Triathlon were Autism will again be the awareness focus and the JT Foundation will be the benefiting charity.

Please let me know if you are interested!

Click over picture for more great shots!

One thing that we at The JT Foundation have been blessed to be associated with individuals that are making a difference…….period….the “Doers” of this world.

Many of the Doers  have raced, represented, supported and are part of The JT Foundation (JTF) and Team for Autism Awareness are people that were already part of another worthy organization or have recently gotten involved or formed another organization that is trying to make a difference with a cause close to them.

We are all looking to raise awareness and monies for these causes and we at the JTF recognize that these “Doers” have a hard time saying no to helping anyone and everyone.

The JTF is proud to have these people to be part of The JT Team for Autism Awareness and we are proud to be parts of their team. Each organization or group has certain races that they focus on and apparel “colors” that represent their cause.
In the past and in 2011 The JT Foundation and Team for Autism will be continuing to grow our team and spread our massage about Autism Awareness, but also gathering in support of the other worthy organizations that are important to our team members.

So the Team for Autism Awareness is proud to inform you all about the following Teams that we are part of. Please take a moment and check these worthy causes and hope to see you out at one of the many events that we will be representing and supporting.

The following quote is one that is dear to me and I feel is appropriate for what WE are all about, the DOERS.

“The power of the wolf is in the pack; the power of the pack is in the wolf”.

 We are not teams competing with each other; we are competing with each other as a TEAM.

Seth Grumet and Friends:

 http://www.stompthemonster.org/            http://www.jerseyrunner.com/races/racedetail2.asp?ID=2244

James Armstrong: 

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/soldiersraceteam.nj

 Ted Kucowski:

www.teambrandon.org

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Team-Brandon-Foundation/168124584182

We want to Thank the Point Pleasant Lion’s Club for their generous check presentation to The JT Foundation for Autism Awareness as one of their beneficiaries from the 2010 Seafood Festival 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run. It was a great time for all!

As exciting as receiving the check from the 2010 ‘s event, the Lions Club has once again decided to make The JT Foundation and Autism Awareness a beneficiary of the 2011 event. As a matter of fact we will be helping to organize, promote and run the 2011 event. So make your calenders and join us at this years event.

Pictured are from R to L: JTF board member Joe Fritche, PPLC member Bernadette Grygielko, JTF President member and JT’s dad John Hughes, PPLC Gene Grygielko and JTF board member Daryl Monticello.

A Special LOVE Story.
In 2007 I had the privilege to meet a very special young lady and her equally special boyfriend. They are both special in 2 very different ways. Adrianne has Autism and Jim is her loving and understanding boyfriend; who doesn’t have Autism!  Rather than try to tell you their story I will share the link to their NEW web site and you can read about them in their words. http://www.autismsubaru.com/
When I see these two together it gives me hope that one day, my son JT could have someone in his life that will love him for all he “IS”, SPECIAL!
Please take a second and learn about this loving COUPLE!  Jim and Adrienne…God Bless you both!

The JT Foundation and Road ID!

We are proud to have the opportunity to TEAM up with a great organization that also sets out to make a difference.

Through qualifying for the Road ID Affiliate Program,  The JT Foundation will receive 10% of every order that is placed through our web site and the Special Road ID link!

Not only will The JT Foundation be able to raise funds for our cause but,  as you will read below and see by visiting the Road ID web site, you can save yours or someone else’s life.

So click on the Special Link and place an order, and thank them Road ID for supporting Autism Awareness.

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!

Each year, over 450,000 of us are taken to hospitals unconscious and without Identification.

Road ID’s and The JT Foundation’s  mission is two fold:

One, Too frequently we hear stories of Autistic and others with mental disabilities walking out of their home and wandering the streets and Police Officers and others are un able to communicate and ID these individuals…our family.  If you experienced an unexpected injury or sudden illness, when not at home, don’t you want those who come to your aid to have quick easy access to YOUR IDENTITY?

Road ID not only provides safety and peace of mind for you and your loved ones, but Road ID can prevent serious delays in medical treatment and possibly even save your life.

Two, to educate runners, cyclists, walkers, and other athletes who participate in other sports such as roller blading, skiing, climbing and hiking about the importance of wearing ID. And to provide these athletes with innovative products that impel them want to include ID as an integral part of their gear.

Whether you are a parent or loved one of a Special needs individual or you engage in cycling, bicycling, running, walking or any other sports,  Road ID can assist you in making ID an integral part of your gear and SAFETY!

So don’t delay. Visit the SPECIAL JT Road ID link and place an order for your self and your love ones. …..Not only will you help protect yourself and others but you will raise money to help The JT Foundation in our Race for Answers.

I found Buddy Bike on Facebook and wanted to share their link with you……Great job!

http://www.buddybike.com/