As I sat in the galley listening to Rep. Hofschneider and all who voiced their support, I could not help but relive the struggles, pain, sleepless nights, the stares of the people as they wondered,” What is wrong with my child?” — the gossip of society that my husband and I are unfit parents and, the STIGMA that this society has imposed on my daughter and her peers: That She CAN’T, She WON’T and She will NEVER amount to anything because she is not NORMAL!
To go back to that time is very painful.
But today, we were given back our VOICE! Today we were given back a sense of HOPE! Today I have HOPE and I BELIEVE that I am not ALONE!
To my family, thank you for your undying support and your willingness to learn more about this disease that has afflicted many including our very own, Maria. You give me the strength to move forward and break the barriers!
To anyone who has in one way or another touched Maria’s life, Thank you for never giving up on her. Thank you for being her friend.
To the parents and adults living with autism, WE will PREVAIL! The torch we pass on will be one that is lit. We will fight to break the barriers that hold you prisoners of your community and your minds. Equal access, equal opportunity and, the right to live a life that is respected belongs to all citizens, including OUR children and YOU!
And to the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, The Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc., thank you for all your support, dedication and commitment to educating and informing our community and, being our partners in advocating for all children and adults with special needs.
I am forever grateful.
MARISSA F. GUERRERO
Mother of Maria Guerrero
diagnosed with Autism 2001
Dandan, Saipan
