74 Year Old Grandfather Paddles 500 Miles for Autism Funding and Awareness

BUFFALO, N.Y. - June 17, 2014 - PRLog -- On June 20, 74 year old Eric Jessiman will launch a 500 mile kayak trip from Buffalo, NY to Burlington, VT and beyond to the Canadian border to raise awareness of autism and its effect on children and adults.  Eric plans to paddle his sailing kayak by way of the Blackrock Canal, Erie Canal, Hudson River, Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain. His family will be following him in their motor home to provide support along the way, stopping at night at locks and local town canal docks.

Eric’s interest in autism is sparked by two of his grandchildren who are challenged by this disability, which hinders development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children, and adults, with autism show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Early diagnosis of autism is crucial, so that children can benefit by receiving one or more of many specialized intervention programs.

He hopes to be joined by other paddlers and people from local autism awareness groups and organizations who are interested in raising awareness and funds to support autism research and learning and teaching alternatives. The fleet of boats, canoes and kayaks will be able to pick up their own pledge forms and information on how to send their donations to Eric. Donations Eric receives will be shared by New York, Vermont, and national autism programs.  Donors may pledge by mile or for the entire trip. Eric plans on paddling approximately 20 miles each day for 30 days. His goal is to raise at least $2,000.

A web site, www.paddlingforautism.com, has been developed to track Eric’s progress both in paddling and fundraising. Supporters are encouraged to visit it daily to learn where Eric will be paddling. Comments may be submitted, and encouraging messages are appreciated. Come watch Eric on his journey or visit when he stops for the night along the canals and waterways.

Eric states, “I plan to partner with the Vermont Northwest Counseling Support Services (www.ncssinc.org) and the National Autism Association (www.nationalautismassociation.org) for this fundraiser/awareness event. I hope that by travelling on the historic waters of the Erie Canal, the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, I will help bring an awareness of the problems facing those affected.”

He continues, “As these waterways opened North America to a new era, I believe we need more awareness and more programs for what appears to be a modern era affliction. Is it a result of genetics and environment, or a combination of these, which I hope can be reversed, slowed or possibly even stopped?  Research into the causes of autism, the symptoms exhibited, and how to work with children and adults with autism need much more research and work. As Champlain’s and Hudson’s explorations and the efforts of those who dug Clinton’s Ditch opened new lands, we need to forge new treatments and a cure for this condition.”

Eric Jessiman is a happily married father of two and grandfather of three who's passionate about raising awareness and funds for autism research and programs.  With his mum, brother and sister, Eric immigrated to the United States from Scotland when he was 10 years old.  Now a retired sales executive, Eric has traveled the world for the US Army, business, and pleasure.  He's an optimistic adventurer who enjoys just about every activity under the sun, especially sailing and skiing and anything he can do with one or all of his three grandkids - Christopher, Nicole and Hayden - two of whom have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  Ric is kayaking from Buffalo to Burlington...and Beyond for his grandchildren and all people whose lives are touched by autism.

For more information on Eric’s courageous journey, please visit www.paddlingforautism.com or www.facebook.com/paddlingforautism.