Walk for Autism
with Tony's Crew

My New Cousin

by: sister Alexandra
September 12, 2009

On August 30 my aunt Becky and uncle Dave had a baby girl so now my sister and I have a new cousin. Our mom and dad are a uncle and an aunt, and my grandparents have 3 grandchildren. When the baby gets bigger I’m going to teach her how to do a lot of things.

A Chip of the Old Block

by: Mom
June 23, 2009

This morning Tony was up before everyone.  When I got up to get him ready for school, I found him sipping his water out of a huge wine goblet.  At first I though maybe all the glasses were in the dishwasher, but when I checked there was a cabinet full of them.  Not sure if he'll be a wine-o like his dad or a lover of stemware like his mom.  It remains to be seen!

Tony the Teaser

by: Mom
June 1, 2009

Tony may not be a boy of many words but he sure loves to tease.  Every morning for the past year and half, while we are waiting for the bus, when we see it I say to Tony, "Here comes the bus."

As I sit in a fog at the bottom the driveway (because usually I haven't had my coffee yet), my mind will sometimes drift and I stop paying attention to whether or not the "bus" is coming.  Tony seems to catch me every time and say, "Here comes the bus."  Only there is no &%$% bus.  He just likes to get me to look in that direction, sometimes I even go so far as to hand him his backpack. 

As I turn to look at him he just grins at me as if to say, "I got you again!"

Another Year Next Year!!!!!!!!!!!

by: Alexandra
October 18, 2008

We are going to do it again next year. I can`t wait! WE WILL DO IT I JUST KNOW IT!!!
We  had to walk a mile last year I hope its not 2 miles just be strong and WALK STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!

We Did It !

by: Alex (your sister)
June 15, 2008

Sorry Tony that I did not walk from 10 to 1. But I made it to the car.
It was a great Party I hope you had fun in the pool I did. I am glad we
did it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will walk For You!!!!!

by: Alexandra( His Sis)
June 1, 2008

Tony I think we will like this walk. Now Tone I know that I am not a big walker but this Walk is for you so I will walk from 10 to 1. I promise. And I hope that Grandpa gets his sneckers like I told him to. Well I just want to say WALK STRONG TONE!!!!!!!!!!

You're Killing Me Part 2

by: Dad
May 6, 2008

Mom and I are so proud of you Tony that you can write your name.  We know that you worked really hard and you couldn't have done it without the fabulous Ms Kennedy and her great staff!! 

If anyone wants to see his work, feel free to look at the passenger side door on my truck, he wrote TONY with a rock.  Great job Tony.  I love you, but YOU'RE KILLING ME!! 

Pick Pocket

by: Daddy
May 5, 2008

Today, Tony found some change outside on the ground.  He came in the house and went to put it in the gumball machine.  Alexandra took it from him and explained that he could'nt have any gum until after he ate dinner. 

Alexandra put the quarter in her pocket.  Tony walked up to her and said "HUG".  When she hugged him he snuck his hand in her pocket and tried to swipe the quarter.  Now I know why Sheri's always hugging me....the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Being a Goon!

by: Alex (your sister)
May 5, 2008

Every time Tony gets goonie Dad and I say he's all gooned out. And, some times he walks in circles and gets crazy. Mom, Dad and me just love when he sits on the couch and chills out. He always gets goonie when we come home from Grandma Mary's house,  Gram givesTony and I treats and cookies. Even though Tony is a goon sometimes, we all love him just the way he is!!!!!

You Did Great at Your Birthday Party!

by: Poppy
May 3, 2008

It is the day after your birthday party and I am sitting at my desk thinking about you and your sister, like usual.  I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of both of you!

You were quite the gentleman, saying hello to all your guests and greeting them with you big smile.  You played very nicely with Alexandra & Cristina and you opened your gifts this year like a professional.  You even thanked every one with that bright smile on your face.

After you ate your cake, you cleaned up after yourself and put your dish and fork away without even being asked. I hope I'm not in trouble for giving you too many chocolate chip cookies, but it was "your day".

You know, I don't think I heard your dad say "TONY!" once.  100% improvement over last year.  Keep up the good work, you get better and better every year!

Happy Birthday!

by: Mom, Dad & Alex
May 1, 2008

Happy Birthday Tony!  We can't believe you are 7 years old already.  We are so proud of you for all you've accomplished.   Your going to have a great birthday.

You're Killing Me

by: His Daddy
April 30, 2008

I love my Tony like no one else BUT!...  Just last week we had family over the house and one of them was Uncle Speedy.  Well Uncle Speedy stuck his finger in some coconut cream pie & let Tony have it.  And Tony was just about to help himself to some more of that whip cream when I (dad) said DON'T YOU DARE STICK YOUR FINGER IN THAT PIE! 

My son, while giving me a dirty look, smiled at Uncle Speedy,  took Uncle Speedy's finger & swiped a big glob of whip cream off that pie to eat. Then he looked me DEAD in the eye and flashed that million dollar smile.....and I know what he was thinking and what could I say?  But if you ever say those words to me again you are grounded for 2 weeks!!!!!!! 

My Little Star

by: mum mum (Grandma Mary)
April 29, 2008

I want to say that Sheri & Todd are doing a wonderful job with this whole thing.  I know Sheri has been working very hard at it because every Tuesday & Thursday when I pick up the kids she shows me & tells me what she has done (not that I understand that computer stuff) but I know it takes alot of smarts to do it! 

I'm very happy to see both are familys working together for this very special cause.  Tony means the world to all of us.  I do wish Todd would stop riding his butt so hard.  He tells me its the best for him but, as Todd buts it he is Prince William to me & Alexandra...Princess Ann.  I can't wait for this summer to start so they can swim in the pool.  I can get Tony to do just about anything for a swim.  

I'm very proud of my Alexandra too.  She is just the best big sister anyone could have.  She watches her brother like no other sister would do.  I love you honey you are a big help!  I will be at Sheri & Todd's house setting up while everyone is walking on June 8th, but my heart will be with my PRINCE!  Hope you have a great time.  See you when you get back.  We'll have the food waiting.  I love you MY LITTLE STAR!  

Tony da tank

by: Grampa Joe
April 29, 2008

I love to watch Tony & Alexandra ride their bikes up & down the street.  Tony is a very special little boy to me he never leaves the house without coming downstairs to give me a hug & kiss.  Of course Alexandra is right behind him.  I'm blessed to have two grandchildren that are so wonderful!  I'll be at the house waiting to hear about the great time everyone had walking for such a great cause.  GOD BLESS everyone who has contributed to this event.  And IF my wife lets me I'll be able to share a piece of a cake with my special little boy.  I love you Tony walk strong BUDDY!

Our Special Tony

by: Gram & Poppy
April 28, 2008

Seven years ago Alexandra and I planted a tree in our front yard for Grandma Kathie.  It was to celebrate the joyous coming of you into our family.

Within a year parts of you were taken from us, later we found out you had autism, something that we all had to learn more about in order to fit into your world.

I look at this tree every day when I am at the kitchen table, mowing the lawn, shoveling the snow, just outside and coming and going in and out of the driveway and it is slowly growing.

It always reminds me of you.  This tree that is growing slowly but surely is just like you, … growing slowly but surely.  We've learned more and more about autism over the years.  We are so proud of you for all the accomplishments you have made, due to the help and love of your family, friends, teachers and everybody that has come forward to help you.

We have all the hope in the world for you.  You are very special and have accomplished so much in such a short time.

We hope that soon we can go to a movie, ballgame, fishing maybe on Uncle Jack's boat or Poppy's favorite a Nascar Race with Uncle Dave.  Remember you have to root for #48 Jimmy Johnson.  If Auntie Becky goes though, we have to let her think we are rooting for #20 Tony Stewart.

Always remember you are never alone.  You are very lucky to have everyone who is involved in Tony's Crew behind you.

We know that someday you will be able to read this website yourself and then you can thank everyone personally.

You are a special boy who came into our lives, than parts of you disappeared; now you are slowly returning to us.  We thank God for you every day!

Dear Tone Balone

by: Alex (your sister)
April 27, 2008

Hi, Tone Balone. 

I hope you will be able to talk soon like Mom, Dad and me.  I know you will miss Mrs. Kennedy, Donna, Phylis and the others next year, but mom said we can invite them over for dinner. 

I love playing baseball with you and Dad in the backyard.  And, I really love jumping on the trampoline with you.  I wrote this because I love you and your the best brother I ever had.  I am really looking forward to walking with you on June 8th, 2008.

I can't wait to see your new school and meet your new teacher.  It sounds like lots of fun, I really think your going to like it there.

You know how much I love you?  I love you soooooooooooooooo much!

Please share your Tony Stories

by: Sheri (Tony's Mom)
April 25, 2008

We have some great Tony stories.  It is late right now and I can't recall a good one, but I will tomorrow.  I encourage all of you to share your stories about Tony, wishes for Tony  or any autistic child for that matter.  They really are amazing kids.  We strive to focus on his strengths rather than his weaknesses.  Sometimes we feel like he is smarter than the rest of us, sometimes he drives us craaaazy!

Alright, alright.  when things get really crazy a martini or two may be in order.  This doesn't work for everyone, but for us it is a great coping skill.  Helps us to see the humor in the things Tony sometimes does.  Tonight for instance...

Tony painted his face with Alexandra's face paint  (was so proud of himself).  Thanks Jacky!  He put on a pair of my high heels...spiked, red heels and a hot pink silky bathrobe.  He loves silky textures, then again, so does Todd.  Maybe its not an autistic thing after all.  Just a crazy inherited trait.  Todd doesn't like the make-up and the heels though.  The make-up makes his face break out and the high heels give his beautfiul feet bunions!  Just kidding.

We are a very accepting family you know.   Who knows what the future will bring for Tony. We snapped a few pictures of Tony in his get up, gave him a nice warm bath to clean him up, mixed a gin martini for me and poured Todd some juice out of his "juice box".  (Todd thinks wine in a box is the greatest invention)  All is right with the world...for tonight anyway.