Autism Speaks & Make Waves Partnership

And it’s from this place, that I challenged myself to speak up. This month, I’m hosting a fundraiser called Make Waves, in support of Autism Speaks and the awareness, research, innovation, and change that they initiate. Our mission is to #MakeWaves within the Autism Research Community, and let the awareness spark shine bright. It is a multi-faceted fundraising effort including eCommerce, direct donations, and donation-based event support. 100% of the money raised will be matched by a private non-profit, doubling our efforts.

I want #MakeWaves to be a platform that inspires people to make a difference - no matter how big or small. I want people to challenge themselves and find out what they are truly capable of, just as people affected with autism do everyday.

We’ve all had moments where we were told we couldn’t achieve something; where it was impossible, too difficult, above our reach, and ultimately, that we would fail.

That feeling is a tough one to shake, because overcoming the challenges of the task at hand is difficult enough; but when doubt is added to the mix, the wall becomes twice as high.

The autism community deals with these barriers everyday, and it’s past time to break the cycle. The challenges they overcome on a daily basis, is so powerful that in actuality these kids are superheroes.

My brother is my superhero. He’s genuine, pure, and radiates happiness. He lights up a room, and makes every person he speaks to feel special; he owns the most obscure Disney movies in history, and knows every Beach Boys song by heart. His dance skills set the dance floor on fire, and he knows how to make a drool-worthy baked chicken. In essence, he lives his true self everyday, and will never cease to amaze me.

So instead of doubt, it’s time to see the potential - to focus on the good, and see what happens when we can come together and support each other.

And what do I see? I’ve seen people thrive, love multiply, and happiness erupt; I’ve seen barriers broken, inspiration grow, and pride blossom. I choose to focus on the good, the lessons learned, and differences that make us all uniquely special. Because being different is a good thing, because that’s what changes the world.

Find out how you can get involved and #MakeWaves today.

Follow Make Waves on Instagram & Facebook.

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nine five ltd. is a proud partner of the Make Waves fundraising efforts in support of Autism Speaks. This April, every item sold on our web store in support of Autism Speaks, will be part of the #MakeWaves initiative; at the end of the month, these donations will be matched by a private nonprofit. 

Additionally, our hats will be sold on site at #MakeWaves events held across the country; check out the events calendar to find one in your area! 

Stay salty, #MakeWaves, and live this day.

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Kristyn is a co-founder of KoaWare, an easy-to-use, customizable Real Estate Marketing platform that generates new leads and sells listings faster. She also founded 21 fish., a boutique marketing agency that helps brands make a splash through creative Brand Marketing strategies. She’s a fitness enthusiast, avid yogi, amateur-wannabe-chef, seafood loving-pig-obsessed-green-juice-drinking foodie, and relapsed workaholic who can usually be found in a bikini. Follow her on Instagram & Twitter, & be sure to #MakeWaves!