You can give any amount to support Tanya's Run here. Donations above $50 will recieve a free T-shirt!


You can support the run by just purchasing a t-shirt here


Team Declan Youth and Men'sTshirt
Team Declan Women's Fitted Tshirt "Button"
Team Declan Women's Tshirt

 

 

Friends and family -

 

My twin sister, Heidi Fox and her husband Justin Fox and I wanted to sign up to run our first Half Marathon a few months ago to help us reach our health and fitness goals. The Surf City Marathon (it’s a half marathon) is on super bowl Sunday, February 5th, 2012. When I went to fill out the information I decided that I wanted to raise money for the two passions in my life….

F.EA.T.

 

On July 5th, 2003, I gave birth to my first child in Vallejo, CA. Jeff and I named him Declan which means “man of prayer”. He developed normally until he was about 1 and he even said about 15 words. At about 18 months we noticed he had lost all his language and we took him to his pediatrician. He referred us to a developmental specialist who diagnosed Declan with autism at the age of 2.

 

We were overwhelmed by the diagnosis. The doctor gave us a lot of good advice on how to help Declan, but the best advice she gave us was to contact F.E.A.T. (Families for Early Autism Treatment). I called F.E.A.T. and they sent me (at no charge) about $100 in books to help us learn about autism. In the directory, they listed local mentors that would help us. I talked to a mom who had gone through everything I was facing and she gave me advice on how to proceed. She even came to our house to help us with our first meeting with the state agency that helps to pay for the therapies for children with autism. The president of F.E.A.T. (who is a volunteer) helped us negotiate with the school districts in our area for the best possible treatment for our son.

 

I have helped raise some money for F.E.A.T. in the past, but I want to do something big so that more packets can go out free of charge and so they can help more people.

 

We are going to wear shirts that has a puzzle piece (represents autism awareness) on the front and “Team Declan” on the back.

 

EXPEDITION: BAJA

 

Secondly, my husband and I run a non-profit organization called “StudentReach.” In our School assembly, we speak to students throughout the country about our son’s valiant struggle to overcome his challenges and how students can overcome challenges in their lives. Last month, we presented our assembly in England...performing 19 times in 6 days!

 

In our assembly, we present positive choices that students can make that affect their school, community, and world. Our "21 Days to Rearrange Your Brain" program helps students build positive habits in their lives. Our "36 Weeks" program is a resource for students to have a positive impact on the school.

 

StudentReach International expeditions involve students in humanitarian work around the world. This summer we will build 3 to 6 homes indigenous peoples in rural Baja California, Mexico. Most work for $1 an hour and cannot afford suitable housing. Our son, Declan, (pictured to the right) will again be a part of that process.

 

Thanks for your support!

 

 

Tanya Devoll