From the moment she was born, Lorelai was extraordinary. Adopted at birth, she was a long-awaited miracle, a little girl destined for a life filled with love. We knew, the first time we held her, that this child was meant to bring light into the world. My mantra for her since infancy has been, “You’re going to change the world, because you’ve changed mine.”
Lorelai has grown with an artist’s soul, a dreamer’s heart, and an energy that cannot be contained. When she was three years old, the world gave her a word for the way she moved through life: Autism. But that word was never a limit, it was simply part of her magic.
Lorelai sees the world differently, in colors that others missed, in patterns woven together like a secret language only she could understand. The way the leaves danced in the wind, the way fabric shimmered under the light, the way a single line on a page could become an entire story, she notices it all. And when she puts pencil to paper, something remarkable happens.
Her drawings tell stories of princesses with crowns made of stars, of dancers spinning through galaxies, of fashion designs so dazzling they could belong on a Paris runway. Her art speaks when words sometimes feel tricky, pouring out of her hands with an energy that matches the fire in her heart.
She loves ballet, not just because of the music or the grace of it, but because movement makes her feel free. Her body expresses what her mind sometimes struggles to say. In the studio, with her hair in a bun and her feet in soft pink slippers, she is unstoppable. She twirls and leaps with joy so pure, it fills the room like sunlight.
But there are challenges, too. Moments when the world feels too loud, too fast, too
overwhelming. Frustration bubbles over when things don’t go as expected, when emotions feel too big to hold inside. Yet, no matter what, Lorelai never stops shining.
Her parents remind her every day: she is worthy of all the beauty the world has to offer. She deserves kindness, joy, and every dream she dares to chase. And she believes it, deep down. Because she isn’t just a girl navigating life’s challenges, she is a force of creativity, a burst of color, a spark of magic.
As Lorelai grows, the world begins to see her the way she truly is an artist, a dancer, a girl with a heart big enough to hold the universe. She has already overcome so much, and she will keep going, keep creating, keep shining.
Lorelai isn’t just meant to exist; she is meant to thrive. and the world is lucky to have her. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Avenues for Autism for awarding Lorelai a grant that made it possible for her to attend her summer program this year. This support means the world to our family and most of all, to Lorelai.
At 9 years old, Lorelai is a bright, creative, and joyful autistic child who approaches life with wonder and heart. Because of your generosity, Lorelai can participate in a structured, supportive, and enriched environment designed to meet her individual needs. She thrives in the routine, makes meaningful social connections, and can explore her interests in art and movement in ways that honor her sensory and emotional needs. The program doesn’t just fill her days, it fills her with purpose, encouragement and growth.
For a child who sometimes struggles with change and transitions, this consistent and affirming summer experience is a gift. We see her grow more confident, become more expressive, and connected. And as her family, we felt supported too, knowing she was in a place where she is understood, celebrated, and empowered.
This experience has given Lorelai more than just a fun summer. It has given her memories, friendships, and a deeper sense of belonging. As her parents, we are overjoyed and deeply moved by the impact this grant has had. You gave our daughter the chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated, and there is no greater gift.
Thank you, Avenues for Autism, for investing in Lorelai’s potential. Your belief in children like Lorelai changes lives and you have certainly changed hers.
With sincere appreciation,
Jaime, Erik, & Lorelai Schmoekel
Story written by Jaime Schmoekel (Lorelai’s mom)
