Family sets up "A Voice for Mikey" charity to aid families with kids diagnosed with autism
A Voice for Mikey: A Foundation Helping Families Affected by Autism
In Sharon, Massachusetts, a remarkable nonprofit organization named A Voice for Mikey Autism Foundation is making a significant impact on the lives of families with children on the autism spectrum. The foundation was established by Michael and Marilyn Intoccia, inspired by their son Mikey, a six-year-old boy diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
The mission of A Voice for Mikey Autism Foundation is to provide direct assistance to families who face financial barriers to therapies, treatments, and necessary equipment or resources for their autistic children. Instead of giving money directly, the foundation offers practical help, such as paying for swim lessons, doctor appointments, computers, or adaptive strollers to enhance developmental opportunities for these children.
The foundation has partnered with the San Gennaro Feast in Boston’s North End for community events and fundraising. These events not only celebrate heritage but also aim to give back to families affected by autism, increasing awareness and community support. One of the upcoming events is the San Gennaro Feast, which is scheduled annually and brings community visibility and financial support to assist the autism community through the foundation’s initiatives.
A gala is also planned for Sept. 3, with 100% of the proceeds going to families of children with autism. The event is a testament to the foundation's commitment to making a difference in the lives of these families.
Michael Intoccia, the founder of the foundation, believes that God gave him a reason to have Mikey, to get out there and help other families. He expressed that there are families who cannot be with their child 24 hours a day due to work commitments, and the foundation aims to alleviate some of the financial burden they face.
Mikey, described by his father as an incredible child who gives the best love and can make people laugh, has been fortunate to have access to various avenues for his developmental growth since his diagnosis. The foundation was started by the Intoccias to support other families who may not have the same resources.
Nick Varano, the co-founder of the San Gennaro Foundation of Boston, shares the same sentiment. He believes that the children who will benefit from the fundraising are incredibly special and expressed his excitement about helping other families who don't have the same resources.
For Michael Intoccia, the event is about making a difference in the lives of other autistic families in honor of Mikey. He and his wife, Marilyn, continue to be the "voice for Mikey" and strive to help other families navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism.
[1] A Voice for Mikey Autism Foundation - www.avoiceformikey.org [2] San Gennaro Feast - www.sangennarofeast.com [3] Boston Globe - www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2021/09/01/voice-mikey-autism-foundation-helps-families-affected-autism/ [4] WCVB - www.wcvb.com/article/voice-for-mikey-autism-foundation-raises-awareness-and-funds-for-families-affected-by-autism/36287132
- In addition to providing assistance to families affected by autism, the A Voice for Mikey Autism Foundation could consider expanding its services to include news articles and resources on subjects such as weather, science, health-and-wellness, and mental health, as these may also impact individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
- Organizers of the San Gennaro Feast and the A Voice for Mikey Autism Foundation could collaborate on public awareness campaigns, focusing not only on autism but also on the significance of maintaining overall health-and-wellness and mental health, which are crucial for everyone, including those with special needs.
