Dear CAN community,
Andrea is the kind of person who lights up every room because she is just so full of life and joy.
Whenever we go to a musical performance, she’s always the first to get up dancing. She’s grabbing people’s arms and pulling them onto the dancefloor. She gets the party started. Andrea changes the whole atmosphere and it’s just beautiful.
My name is Libbi and I’ve been a caregiver to Andrea for 10 years. From the day we met, we had this undeniable connection. It was impossible not to love her. Today, there’s nobody I’m closer to in the world.
Andrea only got her autism diagnosis about a year ago when she was 14. That’s when CAN came into our lives, and we entered an unfamiliar world of acceptance and belonging.
The first thing we did with CAN was attend a family event at Bear Creek Park. We just showed up not knowing what to expect and were immediately welcomed by CAN staff and other families. It felt so good to be accepted.
When me and Andrea go out into the community, I’m always on guard. For the most part, people are kind. And it’s getting better. People seem more accepting, and CAN is likely a big part of that. But I’m still always on guard.
At CAN events, I don’t have to worry about funny looks. I don’t need to apologize or explain Andrea’s ways to anyone. I can just completely relax and smile at other families knowingly.
Our Family Experience events welcomed over 16,000 attendees last year. By giving today, you can help us ensure even more families experience this same acceptance.
Give a gift of any size and it will be doubled. This means your $50 becomes $100!
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I like to keep Andrea busy with events and activities, but it can be challenging, so I’m always searching for things for us to do. When I enrolled Andrea in CAN Swim, I wasn’t sure how it would go and if she would even be willing to participate.
For weeks, she didn’t want to get in the water. She would just put on her swimsuit and sit at the side of the pool. The CAN staff were wonderful and so patient and still made it fun for her. They recognized that she’s also a teenager who likes to do things her way. By the last two classes, the CAN staff had worked their magic, and Andrea was in the water having a blast, proudly showing off her swimming skills.
Connecting with people can be hard for us. Yet, all Andrea wants is to be with people. Through CAN Swim, we got connected to another family and arranged a playdate. At CAN Sports Day, we met another wonderful family and are planning an event together. We’ve just started participating with CAN, and we’ve already met other families and exchanged phone numbers.
Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are up to 160 times more likely to drown?
Your donation will allow us to continue teaching essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Donate today >
It’s not always easy to step back in life with Andrea, but with Canucks Autism Network, I can. The way the staff at CAN support Andrea is just 100% complete. I don’t have any worries which is an unbelievable feeling. I wish our lives felt like that all the time.
Being a part of this network is just huge for us. CAN gives me hope that we can be part of a fun and caring community, and that is such a gift! And CAN feels like such a safe place. A place where people know us and want us to be a part of this community.
Thank you,
Libbi, Andrea’s caregiver
Donate today & double your impact!
Give a gift by August 21 and it will be generously matched by The Stober Foundation.
