A Mother's Love

By Virginia Huie

I met a remarkable woman while shooting a "12 Making A Difference" segment. Her name is Maria LeMaire of Shirley. When she married her soul mate Bill, she also became step-mother to Christopher. He's autistic. Maria never looked at Christopher as a problem child. She told me he is her "heart and soul." Over the years, Christopher became her inspiration to create programs to make life easier for children with disabilities. Maria noticed there were few recreational programs for children with autism. So she took action. She founded the "Autism Family Fun Swim and Sail" program. It provides free swim and sail lessons for autistic children at the Sayville Yacht Club in Blue Point. Something about the water, Maria says, calms the children and gives them a sense of focus and peace. For their parents, it's an opportunity to bond with other families dealing with the daily struggles of raising an autistic child. Maria calls Christopher and her adopted daughter Angelina the "lights of her life." I think Maria is one of those "thousand points of light" who is making life brighter for those who need it most. The difference she's making is inspired by a mother's love.

Click here to learn more about "Austism Family Fun Swim and Sail" program

Comments

[Virginia Huie]

Hi Jodi, the story is scheduled run Sept. 26. Thanks, Virginia

[jodi marcus]

Hi Virginia, That is a great story. We wanted to see it on Channel 12 news but it never came on? When will it be on?

Thanks

Jodi Marcus

[Don]

did this story already air ? If not when will it air. I would love to see it.