As many of you already know, I'm co-captaining a team for the Autism Speaks "Walk Now For Autism" with my friends from OSWCC, 501st and Rebel Legion in support of our friend Scott and his autistic son Donovan.

The team is called "Donovan's Jedi" because autism is a complex brain disorder that impairs social interaction, and Donovan's mom found it ironic that JEDI use their "jedi mind tricks" to help others. Basically, the idea behind this team is simple: whatever kind Star Wars fan you are, we're ALL jedi... Donovan's Jedi!

"Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts."

My instincts tell me that autism is one of those thing that is worth fighting for; and despite what some coward of a radio host will have you believe... they're not "brats" they're kids who suffer from something we don't even fully understand (yet).

Over the next couple months, all three of the Star Wars fan groups in Ohio are going to be involved with alot of local events to help raise awareness of autism as well as a few fundraisers for Donovan's Jedi.

This Friday, I'll post details about an online raffle of a one-of-a-kind CLONE WARS movie poster signed by Dave Filoni (with the help of Mary Franklin and the folks at LFL) all leading up to the Cleveland team of "Donovan's Jedi" putting the "walk" in Skywalker...

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at Progressive Field

We've got the jedi... what I need now are people willing to donate to Autism Speaks on my behalf (every little bit helps). Here's a link to my personal donation page:

http://www.walknowforautism.org/cleveland/personal/shadow12

According to Autism Speaks, in the 20 mins it took me to write this blog, a new case of autism was diagnosed, with more kids being found with autism then AIDS, diabetes and cancer (combined). I'm not going to try and tell you that a bunch of fans getting dressed up as Jedi Knights can find a cure for autism...

"I wish that were so."