Team #ChanningsJoy

On Saturday, October 30, we walked with our friends and family in the Autism Speaks Walk as Team Channing’s Joy. The day was perfect from start to finish (and we rarely ever can say that!). I wanted to make an Instagram reel but it was impossible to put all of the love we felt into one minute. I wanted to make a blog post but it just doesn’t feel like enough. My heart could explode with pride for my boy and with love for our friends and family. Our cup runneth over and over.

Team Channing’s Joy crushed our $5,000 goal and raised over $12,500 for Autism Speaks Carolinas. Channing loved the walk and seemed to be in his element the entire time. I’d give ANYTHING to hear him tell us about all of the fun he had, but man, oh man he SHOWED us!!!

Our friends and family near and far showered us with love and support both in person and virtually. Chad’s college teammate and friend, Robert Woodard (head baseball coach at UNC-Charlotte), even had the entire 49ers baseball team come out and support our boy! Seeing them cheering him on as he rounded the final corner was a moment I will never forget. I burst into tears watching him watching them. There’s something about these walks that just feels right. We feel at home with other families who face similar challenges, and also so inspired by each one of them. We’ve never felt more lifted and just truly blessed. Again, words just don’t feel like enough.

Thank you to every single one of you who supported through words, walking, donations, sharing, and just trying to learn more about autism. It isn’t a disability, it’s an ability. We’re all different, Channing’s difference just has a name!

With all of our love and appreciation,
Lauren, Chad, London and Channing