About Us

GRAMMY is me, Bev DiCarlo, and I live in Erie, PA. Shortly after I retired from teaching, I took a nasty fall down a flight of steps and was hospitalized. As the swelling subsided and I regained feeling in my hands and feet, I vowed to get in physical shape and to stay in shape. My son, David, suggested that I set a goal to compete in a Triathlon (swim, bike, run) as a sign of my new active lifestyle. So at the age of 64, I signed up for my first swim lessons, dusted off my bike and invested in a good pair of running shoes and hit the Y on a regular schedule. Six months later, I completed my first Triathlon without drowning or falling off my bike and was still breathing when I crossed the finish line. I finished 3 more Triathlons that summer. Did you know they give you a medal when you finish? Who doesn't love a little bling!

The following summer, Dave challenged me to complete a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) to celebrate my 65th birthday. I did three more during the summer of 2009 and crossed the finish line standing each time. In December, 2009, he challenged me to complete a 1/2 marathon in all 50 states and volunteered to run with me when his schedule permits. He also proposed that we make the goal an event by earning money for an organization that helps children.

We chose the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation as our cause because this group has been successfully helping children and adults with special needs for over 50 years! Keep reading to learn why this organization is a part of our lives and click on their link to learn more about what they do. . . I know you will be impressed and join us in our cause.

WHY?

My grandson, Aidan, was, naturally, the cutest blue-eyed blonde baby in the whole world. He was bright, bubbly and loved to look us right in the eye and tell us stories in baby babble. However, as he grew older, he talked less and less, no longer made eye contact and preferred to sit for hours spinning wheels on his trucks, opening and shutting closet doors and clapping his hands.

Some of you know exactly where this is all going . . . and you're right. At age 18 months, Aidan was diagnosed with Autism. And so our journey begins . . . .

We are fortunate to live in Erie, PA where the Barber National Institute is located. This facility serves children and adults with special needs throughout all of Pennsylvania and has become well known throughout the United States. We were thrilled to learn that they helped children with Autism and enrolled him in their programs. Years, months, weeks and hours of one-on-one time with his dedicated Mom and specially-trained teachers have produced unbelievable results and progress.