For advertising info, call (813) 951-4200 or or Email us at tony@OurtownFLA.com» more

Scholarships give notice to kids who have siblings with autism Story by Michele Miller, Times Staff Writer

Tuesday, Sep 09, 2014 | On Target Page: Land O'Lakes, Lutz, Land O'Lakes Community Events

Excerpt and pictures from Tampa Bay Times. Click Here to read the full story:

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/scholarships-give-notice-to-kids-who-have-siblings-with-autism/2195091

It's not a big deal to Sydney. "She's my sister," she replies with a shrug. Being Regan's sister has made her more compassionate to others with disabilities. "She's so caring," said Heather Sidlauskas, Sydney's middle school cheer coach. "Nothing gets that child down." Even so, the older sister admits to losing patience on occasion —like the time she was cheering and some kids in the stands were laughing at Regan because she was playing with paper dolls. "I don't like it when people make fun of her and look at her weird," she said. And while she might seem mature for her age, Sydney does have a silly side — especially when it comes to Regan. "Sometimes they act more like 8- and 9-year-olds instead of teenagers," Ernie said. "They push each other's buttons," Becky said. "Those are the moments I relish. That's what normal sisters do." About six months after that lottery fantasy conversation, the 501c3 application was approved. Ernie gathered his extended family together and sat his wife and daughters down. He told them, "Our family is starting a scholarship foundation." Initially Becky was overwhelmed, worried they would fail. She rebounded quickly, working with her husband to create a board of directors and raise funds. "I was shocked — so surprised," said Sydney, who has taken an active role in explaining the scholarship to potential business donors. More than 100 volunteers came on board, working in exchange for donations at local mud runs and other events. "I loved that they have stepped out of the box to benefit kids who are typically in the shadows," said Sydney Has a Sister volunteer coordinator Melanie Riggle. "This is not about their own family, which to me is amazing." The initial goal was to raise enough money to grant three scholarships in the first year. At a banquet this spring, the family handed out six $1,000 scholarships to high school graduates from Pasco and Hillsborough who have siblings with autism. In a required essay, scholarship recipient Gabriella Rivera, 17, who is headed to Duke University, wrote about her brother, Rocco, 6. "It's a little bit different for me than it is for Sydney because there is a bit of an age gap with us," Gabriella said. "But you realize that they are amazing people. They just act a little different than us. You just have to have the patience to get to know them."

To donate or for information on the Sydney Has a Sister Scholarship foundation including upcoming fundraiser events and scholarship application criteria, go to www.sydneyhasasister.com.


Add your comment
Guildelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Stay on topic, don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent.
blog comments powered by Disqus
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
OurTownFLA Facebook OurTownFLA Twitter OurTownFLA Youtube