Luke's Journey Fund at Autism Empowerment

Luke’s Journey Autism Fund was established on March 3rd, 2016 by Doug Underwood in partnership with Autism Empowerment. The mission of Luke’s Journey Fund is to provide grant opportunities and resources for families in Clark County and Cowlitz County, WA, who need financial assistance to cover costs specifically related to supporting their child or children diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

We will share a little bit about the fund below but if you like details, you can find them at this page: http://www.autismempowerment.org/programs/lukes-journey/

Luke’s Journey Fund is inspired by Doug’s son, Luke, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 3. Realizing that insurance does not always cover recommended services, therapies, and equipment, Doug approached Autism Empowerment to set up a fund to help families with youth on the autism spectrum have better access to services they need that are financially out of their reach. 

Additionally, the hope is that families will get better connected with the programs, resources, and services offered by Autism Empowerment and other groups within the community.

The intent of the fund is to help as many children on the autism spectrum as possible; however the number of grants given and the dollar amounts available will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of funds available to award and the number of applications received.

This is where YOU come in!

Doug came to Autism Empowerment with an incredible idea! For his 50th birthday in July, Doug is going to bicycle over 200 miles in ONE DAY from Seattle to Portland in one epic journey to raise money, autism awareness, acceptance and support for Luke’s Journey Fund.  This 200+ mile bicycle race hosted by the Cascade Bicycle Club is called the Group Health STP presented by Alaska Airlines and over 10,000 (!) bicycle riders are expected to participate on Saturday, July 16th and Sunday, July 17th.  Most riders make it a two-day event, but Doug is going to be making it in ONE!

Here’s the fun part! You can support Doug by donating to Autism Empowerment at this website and have the funds earmarked for Luke’s Journey Fund.

AND… if you’d like, we encourage you, your children, family and friends to join Doug on the ride, either physically from Seattle to Portland, virtually by racing near your home (any distance) or even on an exercise bike! You’re also invited to an after-party! Cheer Doug on as he crosses the finish line in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, July 16th. 

Of course, we will be accepting donations to Luke’s Journey Fund at any time. The more money raised by generous folks like you, the more youth and families we can support. Please share this opportunity with your friends, family, and colleagues.

** UPDATE!! ** Please read the story about Luke's Journey Fund and Luke's Ride 2016 in the Summer 2016 issue of Spectrums Magazine. You can find Spectrums Magazine at over 300 locations in Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area. 

You can also view the magazine online at this link:

http://spectrumsmagazine.com/the-magazine/current-issue/

Thank you!