Hello everyone,
My name is Dave Namkung, my family and I are fairly new members to the BC Centre for Ability community, and I’m writing to you in my capacity as a Gala Committee member for our upcoming fundraising event, Dining for Dreams, on April 23, 2020.
Just over a year ago, our son Moses (then 2.5 years old) was diagnosed with autism. As I’m sure many of you can relate, this journey has been filled with every kind of emotion—we have cried tears of pain and gratitude, have wrestled with overwhelming anxiety even while our love grew deeper and stronger, and we have been challenged to reevaluate everything: our priorities, identities, fears, insecurities, hopes, and dreams. And through it all, we cannot imagine how alone and isolated we would have felt without the support of organizations like the BC Centre for Ability.
For instance, finding suitable child-care right after receiving the diagnosis was particularly daunting as many daycares seemed ill-equipped to support our son’s potential needs. Once we did settle into a welcoming facility, the Centre convened an all-staff meeting with the daycare’s teachers and all of Moses’ other therapists to educate and co-create a plan that honoured his learning and communication styles. The Centre has been our advocate from day one.
In large part due to the Centre’s ongoing support, we are now thriving as a family. If you find yourself in a similar boat, I would encourage you to consider partnering with us for our Dining for Dreams event, on an individual-level by purchasing a ticket or table, corporate level through sponsorship or by simply sharing the event through your networks. Together, we can work as a community of clients and families who have benefited from the Centre to ensure that other families are given the same chance to be supported and uplifted by these critical services.
For more information about Dining for Dreams, click here .