Update on the playroom

We were back in the playroom after the backyard has been dug up for septic trenchs, so no throwing for 3 days which was difficult to say the least as this is her thing she needs to do right now... her "ISM" or "STIM". Heard lots of no no no and she really was unimpressed with me. So we were back to creating magnetic hangings and creating massive piles of stuff from the shelves and onto the table. We had a lot of fun with some "up" games, me on my back, her on my feet and me shoving her in the air. I should have thighs of steel! I have also been doing alot of resistance against her feet and body and doing the pretend lift so not so hard on my body. I got some lovely eye contact with bubbles and we are starting to see some spontaneous smiles back at us, which is a massive development for her. It is like she is starting to smile back when a joke is shared. She is also smiling and squirming at "Pat a Cake" with the poke poke poke bit which is also new. Here is a picture of the playroom. It's a cosy little room where there are no boundaries, it is quiet and uncluttered and is entirely her space. She especially loves her piano in there as she loves to hum and has an impressive repetoire of songs. She often sings the scales I practice :)

Why is Carley running for Felicity?

"When watching the news in August 2009 & seeing the participants in the City 2 Surf, I never imagined that it would be me taking part in 2010. In fact, I would have laughed at the suggestion.
I’m an almost-30 wife & mum of 3. I run a small home-based business. I help look after 2 crazy dogs. I go to church. I love hanging out with family & friends. I read a lot. I Tweet. I avoid housework as much as possible.
But… I don’t run. Never have. To sign on for this is a HUGE deal!
So, why? All in support of my 9-year-old niece Felicity. She suffers from a severe form of autism & her treatment is expensive. So I’m doing my part in helping to raise funds.
As inspiration, I’ve got the face of a beautiful girl and some lyrics borrowed from Michael Bolton. - Carley

…And I won't look back,
I can go the distance,
And I'll stay on track.
No I won't accept defeat,
It's an uphill slope,
But I won't lose hope,
Till I go the distance,
And my journey is complete.
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart…"

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Why is Jocelyn running for Felicity?

I'm running for Felicity to fundraise so we can continue the fantastic improvements in her life due to the Son-Rise Program.
I've known Felicity all her life and have seen the massive positive impact the Son-Rise Program™ has had on her. This will be my 4th City 2 Surf and running for Felicity inspires me to get up early or to get my butt off the lounge at night once my girls are in bed. Together we can help Felicity reach her potential in life!

I'd also like to spread the word of this program and potentially change peoples lives who are affected by autism. So if by running in The City To Surf I can do that - I'd be thrilled! My training is coming along great and I'm ready for a PB in this event. Bring on the Half Marathon! - Joc



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UP, UP, UP..... and away we go!

It is with great excitement that we share this news with you all. A gorgeous and very talented friend of Felicity's, Nadia Ackerman, has rallied up some amazingly talented and generous musicians from Australia, America, Canada and Britain who are all singing for Felicity!
These wonderful songs have been put together to create a compilation CD titled: UP, UP, UP Songs For Felicity Vol.1


How cool is that album cover!?!

Now it's only a short 2 week wait until this awesome CD will be available world wide on iTunes with all proceeds from the purchases going straight to Felicity's Son-Rise Program!

We'll be sure to let you know as soon as you can get your hands ears on this great CD. In the mean time click HERE to hear a sneak peak of some of the tracks that will be on the CD.


A HUGE thanks again to Nadia for making this happen!

Our Son-Rise OutReach

We had a brilliant 2 days with Son-Rise teacher Sean Fitzgerald. He spent two days with our family and our two volunteers providing us with invaluable feedback on our program with Felicity. Felicity thought it was all pretty special. She had all "her people" together and she was the centre of it all. We played, watched each of us in action, did feedback, had feedback and challenged our limiting beliefs. We remembered how amazing our program for Felicity is and how much she touches all our lives as we continue her program. I reflected on how much I have personally changed since we first started four years ago and how good we have all gotten at playing and celebrating. I feel peaceful after this OutReach (this is our third with Sean over 3 years) and feel that we are travelling solidly in the right direction. Felicity is so happy and Sean commented that she is loving people, which is nothing short of amazing since this could have been so different. I continue to learn and grow through this program and feel blessed to have had the opportunity once again for an OutReach. The team is refreshed with a new set of tools and ideas up our sleeves to experiment and play with. (The photo is of her outdoor play area... here she likes to throw... over and over.... it is a developmental "ISM" for her, strengthening her co-ordination and gross motor skills. We build on this motivation of hers making it into crazy fun games)

Media - Sun Herald

Just a quick post to share the article that was in the Sun Herald a few weeks ago. A big thanks to Carley for helping us with this xx

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Why is Ian running for Felicity?

As one of Felicity’s grandparents I was very supportive of encouraging those girls – including my daughter Carley - who were prepared to train and then run to help raise funds to support Felicity’s Son Rise program. I know first hand the wonderful progress Felicity is making and also the huge sacrifices her parents have to make to avail their daughter of this program.

As I considered all the effort made by the girls running big distances, Felicity’s parents who are on a challenging life path and even more by Felicity herself who faces a very long journey I was challenged to get up and “DO” as well.

In light of their efforts, a 14 km City2Surf run is a very small contribution but it is one that I’m going to have a go at.



So at the moment I’m establishing a training regime – lots of walking, shorts bursts of running and generally building up my stamina to be able to complete the run. I have about 9 weeks to go but I’m spurred on by the smile and hugs of a very precious little 9 year old. - Ian




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Training Update!

The count down is on for The City to Surf, and while my training is going ok, I thought I'd get some extra help and join a Bootcamp for 6 weeks. It will surely increase my fitness and the boxing component is fantastic for my upper body and cardio (it kills me!) It's nice to enjoy a group activity as well instead of my solo runs, which I love for "me" time. I think it's also time for a massage with my legs feeling very fatigued after my 14km run on Saturday. The things I must do - ha ha. I've signed up for the Melbourne Half Marathon which is 3 weeks after the Sydney Half, so I don't want to trash myself - I'm not as young as I feel! So happy training for the other City to Surf runners, only 4 weeks to go, and Good Luck Maryke this weekend for your Half Marathon - you're a legend! - Jocelyn

2 weeks to go!

With only 2 weeks to go until the Run Melbourne Half Marathon I am in the final stages of the 18 week program I have been following... it was designed to make me go faster and my intention is to crack the 2 hour mark on July 18th, so we will see if it worked! I completed a 24km run last weekend before breakfast and ran 16km yesterday in the very beautiful area around Torquay, VIC - plus all the sprint training and tempo runs - I am ready :) Here is the stunning sunrise I witnessed yesterday. Happy trails, M