Phil Dangel, owner of the Shrimp Dock, hosts autism fundraiser
By Mary Constantine, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Tenn. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Henry is now 4 years old, and Dangel said with the help of therapy that Henry is progressing daily.
But that therapy is expensive, so Dangel is doing what any grandfather would do -- turning that helpless feeling into action by hosting "Rock Around the Dock for Autism."
"This is a kid issue that just tears at your heart. It's a very misunderstood syndrome... and the problem is growing. We need to fund research to understand better what's causing it so we can beat it," Dangel said.
Henry receives weekly an hour each of occupational therapy and speech therapy. The occupational therapy helps Henry with sensory processing difficulties and the speech therapy improves his pragmatic speech.
"Henry has grown by leaps and bounds in his ability to read social skills due to speech therapy," Dangel said.
That therapy costs Henry's parents,
"My son and daughter-in-law are lucky that they have good insurance but I see the strain it can cause a young family," Dangel said.
The fundraiser will feature an all-you-can-eat low-country boil made with andouille sausage, crawfish, potatoes, and "all the fixings." There will also be wine, beer and the popular Eva's caramel cake. A silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, including a signed football by Coach
The event will be held
Dangel said Henry won't be there. He's much more interested in trains.
"He's going through a train stage and can name every kind of train known to man. He's very bright and as cute as he can be," Dangel said.
For more information on autism visit the Autism of
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