Giving Tuesday 2021

The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation and Strut! brand were created to enhance the lives of those who are differently-abled. Alyssa Lego and Amanda Witkowski, Founders of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, have been inspired by the differences that exist in their communities. They believe through programming, education and awareness campaigns, they can help eradicate the labels and stereotypes that taunt individuals with disabilities and bridge the gap between populations that often walk in the path of strangers. They aspire to see a world that chooses to walk in the path of friendship. 

The Christmas season is among us and the spirit of giving is in the air. It’s the most wonderful time of the year - families come together, lifelong memories are created, and service is at the forefront of our hearts and minds. Transformers, dolls, and stuffed animals top the Christmas lists of children everywhere, but, for a child with autism, their list may look a little different. 

Sensory socks, PlayDoh, and fidget spinners replace Trolls, Barbies, and Lego’s for an individual with autism. Hundreds of thousands of children will spend the holidays in the hospital this year and, thanks to the support of our communities, many of them will receive a Christmas gift that they’ll love and cherish. However, when Santa makes his way to children’s hospitals in America, patients with autism will often be forgotten. With a nationwide prevalence rate of 1 in 54, that’s a staggering number of patients who will not receive a meaningful holiday gift. This is where you come in!

The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation is delighted to launch our 3rd annual Sensory Toy Drive to extend the holiday cheer to all children, regardless of their abilities. We’ve partnered with Amazon to create a user-friendly Charity Wish List to share our initiative with our greater communities. If you would like to give a special gift this year, please visit the following link: Sensory Toy Wish List And don't forget to order through Smile Amazon and select Morgan Marie Michael Foundation as your charity of choice.  

Let’s work together to ensure that every child receives a holiday gift that they’ll love and cherish for years to come!

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental delay in the United States. At present, 1 in 54 children have autism nationwide. In some states the prevalence is higher, for example, 1 in 32 children have autism in NJ. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. The cost of supporting an individual with autism during their lifespan is $24 million in the United States. 

It is an estimated 1/3 of people with autism are nonverbal. Nearly half of those with autism wander or bolt from safety and 28% of 8 year olds have self injurious behaviors. Autism can affect the whole body including depression, sleep disorders, attention deficit, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues to name a few. Bullying is highly prevalent challenge for individuals with autism, nearly 67% are bullied. Nearly half of 25 year olds with autism have never held a paying job yet research demonstrates that job activities that encourage independence reduce autism symptoms and increase daily life skills. Of the nearly 18,000 people with autism who used state funded vocational rehabilitation programs in 2014, only 60% left the program with a job. of these, 80% worked part-time at a median weekly rate of $160, putting them well below the poverty level. Your donation and fundraising efforts will assist through a range of programs designed to support individuals in life enhancing ways.

The Morgan Marie Michael Foundation promotes societal change . The mission is daunting! But your support will help end the segregation of autistic individuals.

Our deepest thanks to our interviewees: Alyssa Faith, Andy Burns, Ben Hartranft, Chloé Hayden, Cindy Lijoi, Dawn Lego, Deborah Wertalik, Jamiel Owens, Kinsey Morlang, Lenny Tartaglia, Megan Mascaro, Shelane Mascaro. Thank you for sharing your stories. 

Credit and special thanks to our film producer, Grace Hague

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We are energized by the work our ambassadors do to make change a reality. The following ambassadors have achieved Senior status for their years of active participation.

Arienna Mathews - 2021 Autism Awareness Ambassador of the Year

Dani Penny

Jani Sblendorio

Stephanie Butler

Ivanka Panasik

Stefan Ferdinand

Selene Ferdinand