About Ben

Ben F. is the son of some very good friends of ours--people who have supported us each year with our SIDS fundraisers. Ben has both Down Syndrome and autism. A year ago Ben was in the public school system and not receiving the attention he requires. His parents were able to get him into The Joshua School, a wonderful institution that specializes in children with special needs. Ben has responded extremely well this past year; he now enjoys going to school each day.

Places like The Joshua School have a higher tuition because they are so specialized and provide such an incredible education. This year when I published my book, I decided to give back in order to help a young man who deserves to have what so many of us take for granted: an education commensurate with our needs. Thus the idea "Read a Book, Make a Difference" was born.

When you purchase "Black Beast", you are not just receiving a book that is a great read, you are helping a family pay the tuition for their special son. I have visited The Joshua School, and I can tell you it is a wonderful place, with teachers that care for every student, a director with an extraordinary vision, and an environment where a child like Ben can flourish. That is why any amounts above Ben's tuition will go directly to the school's general operating fund.

I want you to know that I appreciate every reader, but I appreciate those who want to help make a difference even more. I also appreciate any reader comments, so please feel free to email me on the Contact page. Time permitting, I will do my very best to give you a response.

Below are a few links regarding autism and Down Syndrome, including one for The Joshua School:

  1. The Joshua School.
  2. National Autism Resources
  3. Temple Grandin's Official Autism Website
  4. National Association for Down Syndrome
  5. Down Syndrome.Com
  6. A great book about life with an autistic child (AWEtizm: A Hidden Key to Our Spiritual Magnificence)