Families gather in Hastings-on-Hudson to celebrate mothers raising children with disabilities
These are mothers whose children have autism, down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
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The Westchester Manor in Hastings-On-Hudson held special luncheon Saturday to celebrate mothers who are raising children with lifelong disabilities.
These are mothers whose children have autism, down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
"We kind of get overlooked a little bit. Our kids are not hitting the same milestones as others and a lot of times they get ignored," said Daqueen Monroe, founder and CEO of the organization, The Autism Project. "We don't objectify our children, we celebrate them and what they can do. I'm still a mother at the end of the day and we want to acknowledge and make them feel special and celebrated on this day."
Cindy Rojas also attended the event and spoke lovingly about joy she finds in raising her very special child.
"He's so loving, and trying to advocate for him has made me appreciate the small things in life and also to celebrate the small things in life and to see that we're blessed," she said.
Daniel Sturr, of Bronxville, was diagnosed with autism. He continues to flourish, he says, thanks to the dedication of his mother.
"I can't do this alone. I got my dad, my brother and my mom with me. I got my co-workers and my bosses. Yep, I do this as a family," he explained.
"These kids who have special needs. These are angels and we as parents, we need to fight for them," said Erika Bastidas, who has a child with autism. "Sometimes they might not be able to be heard because they're not verbal, but here we are. There is a reason why God gave us these kids."
