Autism support: 3 mothers sell special necklaces to fund treatment centre in Richmond
When Debbie Siu's son Cameron turned two she knew something about him was different.
"He wasn't talking, he wasn't making any milestones that a typical two-year-old should be making," she said.
When he was three, doctors diagnosed Cameron with autism and since then Siu admits it's been tough.
"It was overwhelming. It can be a very lonely time," she said, adding that she came through those early years with a good circle of supporters around her which included her husband, friends and colleagues.
Now Siu has banded together with two other Metro Vancouver mothers of children with autism — Patricia James and Keri Kennett — to try and to raise $20,000 to help fund the Pacific Autism Family Centre, which is set to open in the summer of 2016.
They are selling sterling silver necklaces at 73 London Drugs locations across B.C. and Alberta for $25.
"We wanted a nice piece for people to wear and create conversation and awareness around autism," said Siu.
London Drugs says the response to the necklaces has been strong.
"We're seeing a lot of people who have been touched by autism really responding to it," said Ryan McNabb, manager of the Brentwood Town Centre location. "We've sold out a few times already."
Siu says it's imperative children with autism and their families get the resources they need to improve their quality of life, which she says her son Cameron has received.
"He's talking, he's making sentences. He's able to communicate with his friends. He goes to kindergarten and he's doing so wonderful," said Siu.
The necklaces are on sale until Feb. 19, 2016.
