Martin, tuloy ang kampanya sa Sing Out For Autism

Ngayong araw, bukas sa Amerika, gaganapin ang SOFA (Sing Out For Autism) Gala sa pangunguna ng original concert king na si Martin Nievera.

Ang ex-partner ni Martin na si Katrina Ojeda, president and founder of SOFA, ang punong abala sa nasabing event.

“We are diligently working on raising awareness through acceptance, action and advocacy within Asian American communities,” ayon kay Ms. Katrina.

“SOFA (Sing Out For Autism) is a non-profit organization that helps children and families affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

“SOFA was founded and launched last year. We support, educate, bridge and connect families to available resources,” sabi pa ni Ms. Katrina sa isang letter.

Aminado si Ms. Katrina na maraming challenges ang ganitong advocacy kaya’t naghanap sila ng ilang partner na makakatulong sa kanila.

“As a young organization, we are faced with many challenges. Hence, the purpose of this Gala is to be able to raise funds to be used for our organization’s mission.

“Your support and contribution will definitely assist us in continuing our cause.

“This would also be a wonderful opportunity for your organization to be involved in helping our community.

“We are looking forward to your support and we thank you in advance for you contribution,” banggit niya pa.

Nanatiling magkaibigan sina Martin at Katrina.

“His mother and I, who are still very good friends, put this foundation together. We’re trying to raise funds to help other people who don’t want to be vocal about their special children. A lot of people are ashamed of it. A lot of couples have broken up because of it, namely me and Santino’s mother,” aniya sa isang naunang interview.

Sinimulan nila ito nang na-realize raw nila na lifetime journey ang autism kaya’t sinusubukan nilang tulungan ang ibang mga tao na may katulad nitong pinagdaraanan sa pamamagitan ng nga nitong SOFA.

Ipinagmamalaki ni Martin na meron siyang special child, si Santino, na sa umpisa ay in denial siya sa kalagayan nito.

“Santino, my 16-year-old son is on the spectrum. Hindi na special, hindi na autistic. He’s on the spectrum. And so many kids out there, more kids than ever before are on the spectrum. They just don’t know it or ayaw aaminin ng mga magulang, mahirap i-accept. It took me a long time before the mother of Santino, si Katrina… ayaw niya. Ang unang sinabi niya sa akin, ‘’wag mo ipalabas sa buhay mo sa showbiz. ‘Wag mo sabihin kahit kanino na special ‘yung anak namin,” kumpisal ni Martin sa nakaraan naming interview.