As autistic kids the one thing we have in common is most of us suffer from stomach issues. As babies , our parents spent many restless nights going back and forth to the doctors and hospitals for our “ Belly” issues.

We came across a mini horse named “ Dash “ at 13 hands equine rescue .

We all resonated with “Baby Dash”, because of our parallel lives combatting health issues.

We wrote a story about our little Dash , and starting reading it to our younger group at the newsmakers group to inspire them to, “ fight the good fight ,”and never give up.

This is what we wrote :

Our little man Dash , a story of hope and inspiration.

Once upon a time, tucked away in a cozy green pasture on the edge of a small town, lived an extraordinary little mini horse named Dash, known for his ability to take off on a dime.

Dash was born with a condition that made his stomach very delicate. Since his birth, he had suffered stomach pains, making his life much harder than the other horses in the pasture. But Dash was no ordinary mini horse. Despite his condition, he held an aspiration to live joyfully, always full of energy and love, his sparkling eyes reflecting his tenacity. He was the horse of hope to all of us that suffer from similar disabilities.

Though he was smaller, and his pain often kept him from frolicking as freely as the other horses, he refused to let it dampen his spirit.

Dash was a fighter, overcoming challenge after challenge with his unwavering resilience. His will to triumph over adversity was amazing, and that was what made him so special.

Word of Dash’s incredible determination and his story of resilience spread across the town, and soon school children began to visit the pasture. They were drawn to Dash, and he to them. Despite his discomfort, Dash was always excited to see them. He greeted them with a cheerful nae, his eyes glistening with warmth and excitement.

Very quickly, Dash and the school children became great friends. To them, Dash was not just a mini horse, but an embodiment of determination, love, and indeed, hope. They found inspiration in him, a reminder that no matter how immense the pain, how great the struggle, one can always find joy and love in life.

Over the year, Dash faced life-threatening situations because of his condition. But with every grave prognosis, his resilient spirit and will to survive surprised everyone. Each time his life was in balance, it was like he was telling the world – “As long as I’m loved, I will fight. I will survive.”

Teachers started arranging field trips for students to Dash’s pasture. They made it into educational trips, teaching them life skills using Hope’s example – that life will have its struggles and challenges, but it’s all about standing strong and facing them with courage and determination.

The kids loved Dash and he loved them back. They would bring him apples and carrots, but realized he could not eat them, because of his delicate stomach ; so the kids would enjoy the healthy snacks themselves while they would all just sit beside him when his pain was high. The comfort and love exchanged between the mini horse and the kids was pure and far from the complexities of the world. Each time they left, they couldn’t wait for the next visit to see their ‘Hero Dash.”

In a world that often felt big and confusing, Dash, the resilient mini horse, became a symbol of love, endurance, and indeed, ‘hope’. His spirit and life became a testament to the saying, “It’s not about how many times you get knocked down, it’s about how many times you get back up.”

And so, Dash, with his unyielding spirit, tiny stature and enormous heart, touched the lives of everyone in the small town. The mini horse named Dash became a living lesson of resilience, love and hope, changing the lives of generations of school children who learned the most profound life lessons in the green pasture, right beside their beloved, mini friend.

Our team at autisticana just heard that our mini is in serious trouble again and requires immediate surgery. We are all gathering together to ask all of you to help sponsor his surgery by having a friend- raiser and donating asap to our cause.

Save our Dash –

@13handsequinerescue and got the donate now button.

13 Hands Equine Rescue’s mission has always been to rescue unwanted, abused and abandoned horses and rehabilitate them in order to find them the perfect ‘forever home’.

We partner with some of our rescue horses to assist in our Equine Therapy program helping veterans and others who suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression and many other issues.

With the increase of loneliness, depression and anxiety since the pandemic , we at 13 hands equine rescue are gathering together to make positive change in the community, our school systems and out patient clinics.

Mary Lou Torterello , founder of 13 hands has announced a statement that she is opening 13 hands private VIP ranch house to host educational and healing workshops to assist in the communities emotional well-being and overall health.

In the past, the house has been used for high end celebrities in need of seclusion to lodge around the beauty that surrounds the rescue. Nature and Animals have a way of healing that traditional forms of supportive care can not conquer.

MaryLou gave a heart felt statement saying ,” That everyone is a celebrity in my eye, and it is time to open up our home to the public so that all will benefit from wonderful experiences that we host.

The beautiful ranch home that sits on the rescues lower tier will now be used by our professionals and guest hosts to share they’re gifts to all.

Our educational programs will be catered to our youth, community members and tourists by offering a schedule of weekly classes, workshops, events and inclusive retreats.

Marylou continued to say , “ People always find us when they are in need of nature and equine to help them when they are going through some kind of life trauma .

The rise of these personal visits have become two-fold from the late effects of covid. So we have decided to take a pro- active approach to supporting everyone out there who may need a little, “Love and Rescue.”

We understand your emotional well-being contributes to your overall health. At the launch of our new classes, you will find excellent support and compassionate care with our experienced specialists that have been chosen by our board of trustees.

The goal of 13 hands equine rescue is to get you get back to feeling like you again, and even better than before.

Our Calender beginning with the kick-off of a community Thanksgiving will then lead into a host of workshops, lectures, and educational programs for learners of all ages. It will also be the center for events for our rescue and provide an indoor option in case of inclement weather.

Stay tuned for our upcoming events to get you through the holiday with the happiness and peace you deserve.

We look forward to meeting all our new friends and invite you to learn, love and laugh again with the help of our team and our beautiful rescue animals.

Barbara Walters Can You Hear Me? Is Heaven For Real?

Barbara Walters was closer to me than my own family or any of my friends. Our relationship deepened from the day we met, and for almost thirty years we spent hours together talking on our daily walks through Central Park.

Barbara became my mentor and my closest friend, far beyond my original role as her exercise coach. We talked about so many subjects, from babies being born to the question of life after death – the question, “Is heaven for real?”

I promised her that I would tell the true, inspiring story of “My Barbara”, so I am now writing a memoir of my time with her, to fulfill that promise. Barbara died last year after a long illness, at age 93.

My memoir, to be titled “By Your Side: A Walk In The Park with Barbara Walters”, is the beautiful inner story known by only one person. A person in whom she confided for so many days and hours for nearly three decades. That person was me.

Even today, as I walk in the park alone, I reflect on all the stories and lessons I learned from her, one of the world’s most legendary journalists, someone with enough courage and talent to blaze a path to the top for other women.

One question she and I returned to again and again was: “Is heaven for real?” And, if we believe in this idea, how can we truly believe in it?

Barbara was fascinated by the question. She even explored the idea during an interview with his holiness the Dali Lama. And while she created a beautiful TV special with the Tibetan spiritual leader, in truth, she didn’t budge in her beliefs about the whether heaven is real.

In our frequent, private debates, I always answered YES and she answered, NO! So we agreed on a collaborative plan: ”Whoever first passed through the pearly gates would show a relevant sign by helping the other with their purpose-driven work.”

Barbara admired and, I say humbly, loved the fact that I was her young mentee full of hope and belief. And she often told me to not let aging and disappointments stop me from being my best self, or from serving humanity. She openly showed her pride in me and in my work as a therapist in a child cancer ward. Once, she was interviewed by NY1 for a story about my integrative therapy work with child cancer patients at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

“Christine Grimaldi is a saint. She is always the one there to help out others in need without asking for anything in return,” Barbara said in the TV news segment.

“She works with these children who have cancer, giving them quality to their lives, making their limbs move, hugging them, talking to them, reading to them,” she said.

“That’s so important. These children, many of them dying, she’s the one who’s there consoling them. She’s just an amazing person.”

Now, we’re only weeks from Barbara’s first anniversary. In heaven — this, I believe. And the holiday season is near; a season when Barbara was always ready with her “gift closet”, stuffed with delightful presents for the kids in the cancer ward. The children could choose what they wanted.

Barbara also used to ask me to deliver a different variety of gifts — gold-laced chocolates — to her celebrity friends. “I know what you’re thinking, Christine… in fact, I could feed the homeless in New York City for the holidays.“ And I would always answer her, “Correct.”

And then she’d give me a handful of cash to feed the patients in the hospital, where I would spend the holidays.

Afterward, when I joined her for our private holiday dinner at her Fifth Avenue residence, she’d ask me as soon as I walked through the door, “How did all the patients do?” I always replied, “Great, thanks to you and The Gift Room.”

The whole event became an ongoing funny conversation for the two of us, each and every holiday. This is the kind of shared memory – between me and Barbara – that is at the heart of the memoir I’m writing about her. And I decided to bring Barbara’s tradition into the wider world, so I decided to create a small charity, giftroomfoundation.org.

As the years passed, she often confided in me, “I am worried about who is going to be your patron when I am gone, for all your good deeds.”

I would answer, “ Well if heaven is for real, then you will lead them to me.” I added, “I just need a few of your rare books and that mummy in the hallway [upon which I always hung my hat, to get a sneer and a chuckle from her] to support my future purpose-driven endeavors.”

Barbara’s true dedication was to help children find their way, to help animals in need and to foster women’s leadership.

These days, as I recall those years with Barbara, I walk in a park upstate as the leaves change color, and I remember all our seasons together, all the changes we went through to serve people in need.

I remember a conversation Barbara and I once had, as I brushed her hair one day. I told her, “I will leave you the legacy you truly deserve by writing a true memoir about your kindness that people do not see.”

I went on to creat centers dedicated to her causes. I’ve even created gift rooms “in honor of Barbara Walters” to buy items, then donate money to people in need of services.

The memoir I’m writing, titled By Your Side, is based on a promise I made years ago when she was hospitalized. As I cared for her, she talked to me about her fear of dying and her worries about how she would be remembered. Then she’d say, “I could care less about my name being on another hospital wing.”

I told her my memoir would be “the one interview about you that the audience has yet to hear.” She laughed and replied, “ Well that would certainly be something great to read while I am in heaven, as you always told me I should believe in.”

It’s been a rough year since Barbara passed away. And since my baby sister, Cat, also passed away unexpectedly from cancer at age 40, leaving behind four children. Though I had so much professional experience of the mortal impact of cancer, I still found myself thinking, “How could this happen?”

Amid my losses, of my sister and my mentor, I have been looking for a new patron to take on her role with me and support me in my projects of love and devotion, for which I’m using every resource I have.

I’m working hard to sustain Autisticana, an online media site inspired by Barbara’s love for her sister, Jackie, who was born with an intellectual disability, and who always wanted to be seen as a whole person in an often-uncaring society.

And I’m working to create a new program, “Project Younicorn”, also to help out mental illness in our youth, and to promote empowerment programs using equine, nature and purpose driven work. It’s to be based at 13 Hands Equine Rescue, in upstate Clinton Corners. This project is dedicated to Barbara, and to my sister Cat.

One day recently, I began to feel Barbara’s presence by my side – she always wanted me to keep track of current events. I decided to read the news. And I learned that Barbara’s estate would soon go up for auction. Her art, jewelry and other possessions.

I began to have an insight – now is the time for a sign that heaven is real. The words came to me. “Can you show me, Barbara Walters? I need to ask you for that sign now to keep my great work going.”

So, today is the day I ask Barbara, “ Is heaven for real and can this auction help out my charity in your name?

“I know you are proud of me and have seen the struggle over the past couple of years. I also know you have seen my continual open heart and commitment to helping animals and humans.

“So I ask you now in heaven, Miss Barbara, Can you help me through this auction with ‘My gift room project’, to help our youth today launch into a better life?” So many children are suffering from the devastation of grief, loss and this ever changing uncertain world.

“Please hear me, Barbara, and show me that heaven is indeed for real, and that you are watching over me as always promised.

“Please hold my baby sister Cat for me, as I know she will be in your good hands as I was always in yours. I know the reality and the truth of where you want your inheritance and gifts to go.

“I’m shouting it out loud and clear to you my dear friend Barbara , and to you Jacqueline Dena Guber to hear my wishes as Barbara always did.”

With love and blessings, in faith and godspeed, you will now show me.

Dr. Christine Grimaldi
@autisticana
@13handsequinerescue.org

An Op Ed for The New York Times

Barbara Walters was closer to me than my own family and my friends. We spent almost thirty years together walking and talking as we hiked through Central Park almost on a daily basis.

We discussed everything for almost three decades. Our conversations included everything from babies being born to “Is heaven for real”, when you die?

Today’s article is devoted to as I like to call her “ My Barbara”, as I promised her that I would tell her true inspiring story which is being released by her one year anniversary in heaven, December 30 th 2024.

By Your Side, A Walk In The Park with Barbara Walters is the beautiful inner story that only the person would know who walked in the park with her almost daily for thirty years. That person was me.

As I walk in the park today by myself, I reflect back on all the stories and lessons I learned from the world’s most legendary journalist.

The one story that was reiterated over and over again by the two of us was the question, “ Is heaven for real”, and how do we really believe in this theory.

Barbara was eager to do a special with his holiness the Dali Lama to explore this theory.

It was a beautiful TV special , but the truth is it did not budge her belief in heaven at all.

We always debated back and forth as I was always the YES in her NO!

So here was our collaborative theory,” Who was ever to pass the pearly gates first would show a sign of relevance by helping the other one left behind with their purpose driven work. “

Barbara admired and humbly speaking , loved the fact that I was her young mentee full of hope and belief. As she always said to me, “ Do not let aging and disappointments stop you from being your best self and stop you from serving humanity.”

As Barbara stated in her news piece about me and my work , “ Christine Grimaldi is a saint. She is always the one there to help out others in need without asking for anything in return.”

We are approaching the holiday season and Barbara always had what she called, “ Her gift closet” items ready for me to bring to the hospital for all the kids suffering from the devastating effects of cancer. It was always a beautiful box of gifts they could choose from.

It became an ongoing funny conversation for the two of us each and every holiday. As you read her memoir you will see her inner story like the one I am telling you today.

Barbara had so many gifts always ready for me to give to children in need. This continuous gift giving lasted three decades.

To the point where I took the name the giftroomfoundation.org in honor of Barbara Walters.

Barbara always said, “I know what your thinking Christine , I am having you deliver gold laced chocolates to all my celebrity friends , when in fact I could feed the homeless in New York City for the holidays.”

I would always respond , CORRECT, and then she would proceed to give me a handful of cash to go buy delicious food to feed the patients in the hospital. I would then spend the holidays with these families which lasted for over two decades. These purposeful days would be followed typically by holiday dinner at Barbara’s private residence on fifth ave. As I walked through the door, I would receive her warm greeting by hearing her say ,”How did all the patients do today?”

My response was always the same , “Great owed to you and The Gift Room.”

She always said , “I am worried who is going to be your patron when I am gone to support you and your good deeds.”

My reply, “Well if heaven is for real then you will lead them to me.”

Barbara’s true dedication was helping children find their way, animals in need, and woman’s leadership programs, as well as journalists as the world already expected.

Barbara was my mentor, my closest friend as I actually started out over thirty years ago being her exercise coach.

Well for almost a decade now I have opened centers dedicated to her causes. I even had gift rooms with the sign , “In honor of Barbara Walters .” to purchase items in our gift room to donate the proceeds to people in need of services.

So here I am today , walking in the park upstate looking at the leaves change as I am remembering all our seasons together, and all the changes we went through over the years with one goal, to serve humanity.

My purpose for writing her memoir, “By Your Side”, was because of a promise I made to her years ago when she was hospitalized. As I cared for her, she expressed to me about her fear of dying and what she would be remembered for.

Followed by her saying “ I could care less about my name being on another hospital wing. I proceeded to say I am going to write the best memoir that will be, the one story about you that the audience has yet to hear. “

She laughed and replied , “ Well that would certainly be something great to read while I am in heaven as you always told me to believe in.”

Its been a rough year since Barbara passed away, as my baby sister Cat 40 , passed away unexpectedly to cancer this April. How could this happen ? As I always dedicated my life with your help Barbara to the oncology field.

My baby sister Cat, also left four children behind in this uncertain world of depression and youth suicide.

As I was walking today, I felt her presence by my side, telling me to catch up on current events. That was always her beef with me.

So I sat at a bench and I reviewed the papers for a half hour.

Then a sign hit me as you will see below.

This was a sure sign to now answer the question , “ Is Heaven for real and can you show me Barbara Walters ? I need to ask you for that sign now to keep my great work going. I would always respond to her , after she asked who would patron my work after she was gone, I would say to het , “ All I need is a few of your rare books , or even that mummy I used to hang my hat on to make you chuckle.? As I am presently chuckling thinking of that mummy as I write this now.

I have worked so diligently hard to help out an autistic news team in your sister Jackie’s name. As you always wanted your sister to be heard as a whole person in the tough society.

I have been working diligently to start a new program at 13 hands equine rescue called , ‘Project Younicorn’ in your name and my baby sisters. Our mission at 13 hands rescue in clinton corners is to develop this beautiful program for our youth at risk ,( which presently is all of them !) using rescue animals ( as Barbara was the head of the animal medical center in New York City. ) and her daughter Jackie and I always said ,” Our animals raised us !’

These rescue grounds full of as I say ,” Love and Rescue “ is a magical healing center that heals abused and unwanted animals and then we heal humans at risk with these animals.

It is a win win.

Since Barbara died, I have been looking for a new patron to take on her role with me and support me in doing these unbelievable projects of love and devotion using every cent and resource I have.

As I brushed Barbaras hair in the hospital when she was sick ,I told her,” I will leave you the legacy you truly deserve by writing a true memoir about your kindness that people do not see.”

Today is the day Barbara , “ Is heaven for real and can this auction help my charity in your name .

I know you are proud of me and have seen the struggle over the past couple of years. I also know you have seen my continual open heart and commitment to helping animals and humans.

So I ask you now in heaven miss Barbara , “ Can you help me through this auction with ‘My gift room project’, to help our youth today launch into a better life?

They are all suffering from the tragedies of the pandemic as well from the devastation of grief, loss and this ever changing uncertain world.

“ Please hear me Barbara and show me that heaven is indeed for real and that you are watching over me as always promised. “

Please hold my baby sister Cat for me , as I know she will be in your good hands as I was always in yours. “

I know the reality and the truth of where you want you inheritance and gifts to go.

I m shouting it out loud and clear to you my dear friend Barbara , and to you Jacqueline Dena Guber to hear my wishes as Barbara always did !

With love and blessings.

Dr. Christine Grimaldi

@autisticana

@13handsequinerescue.org

In faith and godspeed you will now show me. !

We decided last minute to go to a new kind of circus that was being held in Lake Grove.

I have not had a night out since my baby sister passed away, and thought it would be a great idea to invite my news team out with me to write a special entertainment report on something I new would be enjoyable to all.

I called Circus Italia immediately and told them we wanted to get in to do a news piece by autisticana and they immediately set us up !

It was more than fabulous and here is our review !

Circus Italia is not your typical circus. Touting itself as the ‘water circus’, this one-of-a-kind touring show blends classical circus acts with the element of water, elevating the traditional circus experience to a new and thrilling level.

Featuring a custom-designed water stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water, Circus Italia combines the dynamic excitement of top-level acrobatic and aerial feats with the mesmerising beauty of a daring water show. The performance involves the stage transforming into a dazzling water fountain while artists perform their breathtaking routines.

What sets Circus Italia apart, even more, is its ethos. Despite bearing the word ‘circus’ in its name, the show has taken a conscientious decision against involving animals in its acts. By adhering to this principle, Circus Italia is an example of forward-thinking entertainment that respects animal rights.

The artists of Circus Italia come from all around the world and are masters of their craft. From elegant aerial acts to daring balancing feats and juggling, the performers merge strength, talent, precision, and risk with grace and style, resulting in a spectacle that captivates all senses.

The immersive experience is accentuated with light and sound design, highlighting the rhythm and flow of every performance, and amplifying the atmosphere. It’s like stepping into an alternate universe where the impossible seems possible.

Circus Italia isn’t just about the acrobatics or the water spectacle. It’s also about evoking emotions, witness the courage, and exhilaration of human capabilities. It’s a modern and evolved interpretation of the circus, one that appeals to both the thrill-seeker and the art lover. A night at Circus Italia promises an unforgettable experience of boundless creativity and awe-inspiring performances. A spectacle that truly pushes the boundaries of what you might expect from a circus.

It was exciting to me as their coach , because I taught aerial yoga ,and also to these kids. When I was young I was a trainer for Cirque de ole. So this brought back great memories for me.

We at autisticana gave this show 5 out of 5 stars !

A dedication in honor of Vincent Pepe

One of our news-makers was honored for filing a petition to bring back the previously discontinued SpongeBob mac & cheese.

We asked Vincent why he started this petition. His response was because he thought the taste of Spongebob mac & cheese tasted the best out of all of the different kinds.

We asked him if it was because he liked the Spongebob visual, and if he thought that was the reason for the enhanced taste. He said it could be, but he literally thought the taste was the reason.

We asked him how he got so many people to sign the petition. He responded saying it was consistency each and every day.

He told us he texted, called, and used social media to get the job done- becoming one of the most popular petitions to bring back the Kraft product.

His hard work paid off and his petition titled, “Bring back Spongebob Mac & Cheese shapes” (change.org) was written up in different media platforms, including ‘Today.’

Due to his hard work, Kraft has begun the production of the original Spongebob mac & cheese and we are all happily awaiting our box so we can have a celebration in honor of Vince.

Vincent told us it took four months from start of the petition to finish, with over 1000 signatures.

The lesson is that if you channel your passion and advocate for change, then maybe it just maybe happen.

Congratulations Vincent for a job well done !!!

Form the tribe @ autisticana

Below is the original picture.

We are proud of our team member and the lesson is loud and clear.

If your preservers for you advocacy then change can happen !

https://www.change.org/p/mac-and-cheese-lovers-getting-kraft-to-bring-back-spongebob-mac-and-cheese

Vincent began working on his next petition! He is spreading the word about bringing back the classic Wizard101 game!

sign here: https://www.change.org/p/kingsisle-bring-back-the-classic-wizard101?cs_tk=Aj9GbD5o9hM2S7pOMGUAAXicyyvNyQEABF8BvJCsqGeWizBvmqK4Gbaj5nY%3D&utm_campaign=b3901a136c3147e3a1bacf1d5d896c63&utm_content=initial_v0_3_0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_signer_receipt&utm_term=cs