Watch: The September 26th Project 2023 Video
When disaster strikes, "sometimes, the outcome is senselessly tragic, forever altering the quality of life for the entire family unit. The September 26th Project is dedicated to raising awareness about emergency preparedness for all families."
NCSA's founding VP, the late Feda Almaliti, in March 2020 at Stanford University. Photo: Stasia Chening.
By Maysoon Salah
We often get lost in the never-ending grind and business of living life. Rarely pausing to contemplate the potential disasters that could strike at any moment.
If we truly live to ensure the safety and well-being of our loved ones and pave the way for their long, quality-filled lives, then how could we justify not being prepared for the unexpected?
Take a moment to imagine the lives of families who find themselves in a constant state of alertness. Families whose loved ones live with severe/profound autism or other intellectual and physical disabilities that render them 100% dependent on their care to survive. Every waking minute is spent ensuring their well-being, and their survival hangs in the balance.
Now, picture what happens to these families when disaster strikes.
Sometimes, the outcome is senselessly tragic, forever altering the quality of life for the entire family unit. The September 26th Project is dedicated to raising awareness about emergency preparedness for all families. Yet, we aim to shed light on the most vulnerable members of our society, those who need our support the most—the families caring for loved ones with severe/profound autism.
Watch this year's deeply moving September 26th Project video here or on YouTube.
Our project shines a spotlight on the plight of these families who love someone with severe autism, individuals who cannot live without the constant care of another, whose minds cannot comprehend the danger and frequently run straight into it, not understanding the fatal consequences.
This year we chose a heartwarming story, the inspirational journey of a family that epitomizes the spirit of our project and a standard of care/sacrifice our society should set as a high standard of greatness to follow.
Denise and Rob Lombardi’s story is a testament to the unwavering commitment they have to their community, even when time and energy are in short supply. This family's dedication serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety and well-being of all.
Pause. Breathe. Watch. Share.
Thank you,
Maysoon
Note: Maysoon Salah is the sister of NCSA's late founding VP, Feda Almaliti. Feda died on September 26, 2020 after trying to coax her 15 year-old son Muhammed down the stairs. Mu, severely autistic and of an imposing physique, refused to walk down the short flight of stairs, and Feda would not leave his side. Together, they perished in this senseless tragedy. In their honor, The September 26th Project creates a video and safety reminder to help inform and inspire the broader autism community.
Visit September26.org to do your checklists today. We hope you can find one thing that can help prepare your family in the event of emergency. Our blogpost tomorrow features one autism family cautionary tale — and tips.
