Leading up to the Run Like a Mother 5K, we will be featuring “Moms on a Mission.” These are Moms who have taken up causes that are dear to them and spend their time improving the lives of others. You can NOMINATE a Mom for our “Mom on a Mission” Contest by emailing Tim@YourHometownEvents.com.
This “Mom on a Mission” is Hannah Cliver, co-owner of STRIDE Crown Point located at 10835 Broadway. Hannah is running her very FIRST marathon & is raising money for Autism Speaks in honor of her son, Eli. What follows is her story and ways for others to get involved. Thank you, Hannah, for all the work and effort you have put into this project.
What is Your “Mom on a Mission” project?
This year, I am running my FIRST Chicago Marathon year representing a cause that is very dear to my heart, Autism Speaks. I am hoping to raise $5,000 to give to this amazing charity that helps so many individuals, children, and families.
Why is Your “Mom on Your Mission” project important to you?
This charity is very near and dear to my heart as it helps individuals on the autism spectrum, and my son Eli was diagnosed when he was 3. He was nonverbal, was also diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (common with those diagnosed on the spectrum), had extreme anxiety when it came to social settings that would result in melt downs and physical outbursts anytime we attempted leaving our home, and had such a severe aversion to food we thought we might have to put him on a feeding tube. Without being able to speak, he couldn’t tell us how he was feeling or what was bothering him, and it was heartbreaking to watch him suffer alone.
Through the assistance of Autism Speaks, we were able to get connected with various therapy programs where, in our home and “Safe Space”, we learned about sign language, picture exchange communication (communicating with pictures), how to approach trying new foods without it being traumatizing to him, and ways to help him with his sensory processing challenges such as compression vests.
Slowly and over years I watched Eli blossom and transform with these therapies and new tools to communicate and feel grounded and comfortable in his world. I went from understanding my precious son would always live with me and would probably never be able to speak to me with words, to hearing him at the age of 7 say “I Love You Mom” for the very first time. Now, at the age of 13, Eli is attending main stream school and on the honor role. Elijah’s story is not indicative of every person on the spectrums journey, but I know for a fact without the guidance of Autism Speaks he would not be where he is today and for that I am forever grateful. While I could never repay them for what they did for Eli and my family, what I can do is “Pay It Forward” and raise money so they can continue their mission in helping other children like Eli.
What are some of the challenges you or your project have faced? 
With Autism Speaks being such a large and well known organization, I find that some people do not connect with the concept of donating because they do not see the “need”, but the fact of the matter is 1 in 4 individuals are diagnosed on the spectrum so the need for donations and the assistance they provide is needed now more than ever.
What have been your successes with the project?
I have just recently started my recent fundraising efforts so I am not far along in my mission to raise $5,000 on behalf of Autism Speaks as I will represent them in the Chicago Marathon, however seeing my friends and STRIDE family immediately willing to donate when I first announced it was heart warming and something I would certainly consider a success.
Thank you, Hannah, for being a “Mom on a Mission.” Please consider helping Hannah in her efforts to support Autism Speaks by making a donation HERE.