Children’s Health Defense Pays Tribute to Long Time Autism Advocate Nancy Cale
The autism community has lost a wonderful advocate, counselor and friend. Nancy Cale died peacefully surrounded by her family, and the news of her death rocked our world. If you knew Nancy then you understand our feelings of shock, grief and loss. If you didn’t know her, we wish you could have. And not because your child or grandchild has autism but because of the wonderful person she was.
Nancy was a member of the autism community for around 20 years. After her grandson was diagnosed, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. And not just for Wynn. But for all children with autism. Nancy became so proficient at helping parents of newly diagnosed children that she began answering a hot line, first for Unlocking Autism, then for many other organizations. Day and night her kind voice would answer the phone. Thousands of parents and children were helped by her guidance over the years. The trajectory of their lives, first altered by autism, was forever pushed in a positive direction because of her assistance, which was immeasurable.
To know Nancy was to love Nancy. Most of us met her online at first, as so many of us meet any fellow autism parents and grandparents for the first time. But encounters with Nancy were different. There was an immediate bond of friendship. Her warmth spread to everyone and was infectious.
Many of our first recollections of Nancy was when she and Shelley Reynolds contacted us to be the state representatives for Unlocking Autism – the community’s first attempts at serious, organized advocacy at the federal and state levels back in the late 90s. If we were lucky, we finally got to meet her face to face at a conference, convention or rally. And what a face and person! Always smiling, always genuine, always comforting, always caring, always the optimist. And usually, she had a funny anecdote to share about autism, or about life. It was easy to have a good time whenever she was around.
The autism community is profoundly indebted to Nancy for helping so many. And our lives are infinitely richer because of her.
The Children’s Health Defense Team
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