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Announcements: MY DAD IS WALKING TO OTTAWA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM!
This is the content from the Facebook Group started by Lia Margarita Marinoiu who is the daughter of Stefan Marinoiu who is walking to Ottawa to raise awareness about Autism.
MY DAD IS WALKING TO OTTAWA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM!
| Name: |
MY DAD IS WALKING TO OTTAWA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT AUTISM!
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| Type: | |
| Description: |
Hello,
Firstly I want to thank Everyone for joining this group and supporting my father and other families of autistic children in Canada. For those of you who don't know Autism is defined as: a pervasive developmental disorder of children, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment. Now, for those of you who don't know me or my family, or my father, I have an autistic brother named Simon who is functional, but cannot communicate through the English Language and also has a very little amount of social skills. Simon is now 15 years old, and is getting older and stronger as he grows. The truth is that there are thousands of more families across Canada who have autistic children, and still, no one has found the exact cause of the disorder. As we speak, my father, Stefan Marinoiu, is walking to Ottawa in order to raise awareness about Autism and its underfunded programs. He left our house Thursday January 31st without telling my mother or myself anything. He talked of doing a walk for Autism, but despite my mothers suggestions to plan an organized, well thought out trek, he left on his own impulse. On February 2nd (If my memory suits me well) He called our house to let us know that he was in Newtonville Ontario due to the fact that a kind stranger picked him up in order to let him have some rest. He is currently walking on Highway 2 East Towards Ottawa, a kind stranger from Trenton Ontario called our house yesterday (February 5 2008) to let us know that he had stopped there, but he is still continuing his walk. My father is 49 years old, and is also a type 2 diabetic. I am proud of him and his commitment, but I need YOUR help. My father; a) Is walking ALONE - this means that he has no support van beside him, or people to help him out b) Is walking during our infamous Canadian Winter c) Isn't properly equipped with the right clothing to fufill his trek all the way to Ottawa and... d) Hasn't contacted the family since Sunday Night. In making this group, I, his daughter, Lia Marinoiu, am asking for YOUR help. There are senators and media who want to promote this story in order to ensure my father's walk isn't being done without proper attention. SO I AM ASKING YOU TO: a) Let EVERYONE YOU KNOW around Ontario about my father and his trek before he reaches his destination b) Contact as much media as you can, call your MPPs and MPs about it. I've done everything I can to promote this, I just need more help and people on board with me, my family, and the families of autistic children. c) To contact me by PHONE, E-MAIL or FACEBOOK if you or anyone has seen my father walking. AGAIN TO RECAP He is walking on Highway 2 East. Now you may wonder why my family is not there behind him, but if I did have a car and a license I would be there. Trust Me. Again I would like to thank you for all your support. Lia Margarita Marinoiu |
| Email: | |
| Office: |
    (416)-412-7656
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| Street: |
Sheppard
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| City/Town: |
Toronto, ON
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Recent News
UPDATE FEB 10 2008
9:31 PM
HEY!
So here's the deal:
We will be starting our walk Tomorrow at 8:00 AM at the OTTAWA RIVER PARKWAY and CARLING AVE.
Me, my father, and others supporting us will be walking up onto Parliament Hill between 11:00 to 11:30 AM From Wellington Avenue.
THANK YOU ALL!
Just a quick note:
My cell-phone # here is:647-209-4018
Although I appreciate all the calls of support, My phone is a "pay as you go" at 25 cents a minute, and I don't have the greatest amount of money on the phone. So this contact number is for media or my other contacts!
I LOVE YOU ALL, I REALLY DO, I MEAN IT!
See you all tomorrow!
WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET
5:00
HI EVERYONE!
I am currently in Kanata with Lucie Filteau, her husband, and two sons (who are absolutely adorable).
I have arrived safe and sound! The train ride was good considering the fact that I had an awesome train assistant who told me where to go and everything! I am glad to be in Kanata.
I will be updating go throughout the night. My dad should be coming soon with Lucie (he doesn't know I'm here)!!!
Myself, Lucie, Michael and Stefan will be planning the intinerary for tomorrow and we will post it up, and send it out to as MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
Since it will be posted up, we would appreciate your assistance in sending my father's story along with this information to all media you could possibly think of!
I love you allll!! Thank you sooo much for your help and assistance, but we aren't over yet!!!
So please everyone, keep pressing on, my dad just walked into the door!!
Byeee <3
Plans didn't go as smoothly as I hoped, so I will be leaving at a later time.
I called my father this morning, he is in good spirits, but he informed us that his left knee/leg (The one that was broken) is hurting his very badly.
If you see him, please don't stop him for too long, he says that if he stops too soon in his trek, it hurts for him to get a rhythm going again.
He will be leaving the Pond Motel at around 9:00 - 9:30 this morning.
He will be walking along these routes:
HWY 7
Then onto Route 36 - Hazeldean Drive
Then onto Route 61 - into Kanata
Thank you for all your support!
UPDATE FEB 9 2008
3:30 PM
Hi Everyone!
This is Lia, and these are probably going to be my last comments before I leave for Ottawa.
I would just like to thank EVERYONE for all their support and assistance. All of you have been such a blessing to my father, my family, and the families of autistic children across Canada.
It is not over yet. There is still Sunday and Monday.
I need EVERYONE in this group on board with my father as he walks into Ottawa Monday morning.
Now, I know all of you cannot be there when he walks in, but I need all of you to do AT LEAST ONE of the following things:
a) E-mail your MP/MPP or call their office to let them know of my dad’s journey
b) Contact ANY media in Ottawa or Toronto, e-mail them, call their newsrooms, we need ALL the attention we can get!
c) Attend the appeal hearing for the class-action lawsuit Monday Morning at the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto (If you live there). These 5 families need all the support they can get!
d) Invite as many people to this group as you can. Put the link on your face book, yuwie, myspace, any Social Networking System!
e) Let all your family/ friends/ co-workers in Ottawa know about my dad’s journey and encourage them to support him as he walks up onto Parliament Hill.
f) BE POSTITIVE! This may go the way we want it to, it may not. BUT THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS!
g) My wish is for this group to hit at least 2500 by Monday morning at 9:00 AM. I’ve invited all my friends and family to this group. No Matter where you live, this is a CANADIAN ISSUE, not just Ontario.
I love you all so much and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my family. I will be leaving my house at 5:00 PM this evening and I should be back at around 12:30 AM. I will post a message if I get a chance.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT MY MOM WHILE I’M AWAY. Our house phone number is on this page for a reason. Call it if you have ANY information, or even just words of encouragement for my mom.
I Will plug in my laptop as soon as I get into my hotel room.
Guys, even though my father’s journey will soon be over, this is just the beginning.
3:00
Just received a Call from the Ottawa Sun from a reporter named Terri, She wants to do something on my father!
12:30
We would like To Thank:
Brenda & Jim - For arranging the motel/hotel rooms for my dad
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place
Pond Motel - Carleton Place
PAT & TRISH & LAURA & ANDREW!
Kerry's Place Autism Services is arranging a train ride for me tomorrow morning in order to be there before my dad gets there.
Although, he DOESN'T know, and we would like to keep it this way.
My father called about 1/2 an hour ago to let us know that he was in Franktown having a Burger. I think he's already started walking to Carleton Place.
Is there any media there that we should alert? Would they be interested?
-----------------------------------------
UPDATE
7:30 PM
I have been in touch with my father who is at the Best Western Hotel in Smiths Falls (We would like to thank you for arranging this room for us Brenda & Pat)
Thank you to the owners of the Best Western Hotel in Smiths Falls!!!
We have also been informed that Lester's in Smiths Falls (10 Russels) gave my father a complimentary dinner! THANKS!
I do have the contact number of my father, although he has been receiving many media calls and calls from several contacts.
My dad thanks everyone for their support, what we need now is MEDIA ATTENTION on the day he gets to Ottawa.
I have mapped out a route (See map in pictures) that my father should be taking into Ottawa.
We plan for him to be there by Monday Morning at around 10:00 AM.
If you need to contact my father, please contact me and I will give you his contact information.
Thank you!
Lia
4:00 PM
My father called at 1:00 PM to let us know that he will be at a motel in Smiths Falls tonight
He has also informed us that he will contact all who wish to speak with him As soon as he settles down.
THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!
lia <3
11:45 AM
I have received an E-mail from Rosanne Lake a reporter from Smiths Falls This Week, she let me know that my father is walking along HWY 15 and is in good spirits.
His destination for tonight is Smiths Falls.
I have posted his most recent photo
I am signing off now, I will hopefully be back by 3:00
Thanks!
Lia
10:30 AM
I still have not been contacted by my father, or anyone who has seen him walking.
I will be signing off temporarily In order to go quickly to my school and drop off some paperwork.
I will be on facebook until 12:00 PM
I should be back at around 2:00 PM
PLEASE CALL MY MOTHER at home, she will be home to take any phone calls!
Thanks for everything!
Lia
9:00 AM
My Dad's story was on the following radio stations:
Mentioned on
96.3 FM (Yesterday) - Story on 4 PM News
98.3 FM (Yesterday & Today) - FLY FM
We would also like to thank:
Senator Jim Munson
Autism Foundation Canada
Belleville Intelligencer - Sean Tomlinson
Napanee Guide - Micah Luxen
Kerry's Place Autism Services
CKWS TV - Sam Goodwin
Kixx FM
Kingston Police Department
Autism Centre Canada - Noor
Pat La Londe
Andrew Kavchak
John Dunn
John McVicar
Taline Sagharian
Lucie Filteau
Johnathon
Romano Da Silva
Donna Beram
Courtney Evers
Malcolm Stanley
Pawandeep Uppal
The Ontario Provincial Police
AND EVERYONE IN THIS GROUP
We are so thankful for your support.
8:00 AM FEB 8 2008
My DAD did NOT call the Family last night.
I've posted a picture of his route to Ottawa along HWY 15!
Please let everyone you know along this route to look out for him.
I have been informed that the OPP is going to be watching out for him.
Again, I am staying home from school to take any phone calls regarding his journey, or any information.
If you do see my dad, please call me, Lia , ASAP!
Again I thank everyone for assisting my father in his journey and on behalf of my family and my father, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE
THERE WAS A PRESS RELEASE: (its in the discussion board)
I would also like to let everyone know that there is an Autism Class Action Lawsuit at the Court of Appeal for Ontario
I ENCOURAGE ALL parents (my mother will be attending) to attend this appeal hearing this upcoming monday february 11th!
More information can be found on the discussion board!
I would also like to let everyone know that my family was part of the Wynberg case that lost in 2004.
The Provincial Government spent MILLIONS of dollars to fight the families of autistic children.
Instead they could have used this money to assist these families.
Taline Sagharian and I would appreciate all your support in this upcoming hearing!
Keep me posted with any other information...
Lia <3
--------------
UPDATE:
My daddy is now walking on highway 15 towards elgin, a kind man by the name of johnathan has offered him a place to stay
He also called me to say thank you to everyone for supporting him.
I would like to thank Kerry's Place Autism Services from Kingston Ontario for the photos and the kind lady who allowed him to use her cellphone!
I would also like to thank Pat La Londe from Kingston....THANK YOU <3
Thank you Angela!!!!!!
-------------------
12:00 PM
I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT MY DAD MAY HAVE CHANGED HIS ROUTE TO HIGHWAY 15, CKWS NEWS WENT OUT ALONG HIGHWAY 2 TO FIND HIM, AND THEY COULDNT.
IF ANYONE HAS SEEN HIM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
---------------------------------------
GUYS ANOTHER E-MAIL
your dad was near the Causeway in Kingston heading toward RMC College
PLEASE TELL EVERYONE!
-----------
NEWS FLASH
MY DAD IS IN KINGSTON ONTARIO, RIGHT NOW!
HE WAS SEEN IN FRONT OF THE Whig Standard.
PLEASE LET EVERYONE YOU KNOW, KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!
THANKS!
--------------------
February 7th 2008
I have been contacted by Autism Canada and they have sent e-mails to all their contacts in the region
9:00 AM - Opened my inbox to find all the support from the group inside
9:00 AM - MY FATHER WAS SPOTTED EAST OF NAPANEE ONTARIO YESTERDAY
----------
February 6th: Autism Canada calls my house asking how to contact my father
- Autism Canada lets my mother know that The Honourable Senator Jim Munson would like to speak with my father
- I Create this facebook group
- I contact CTV & CityPulse again, they haven't contacted me yet
- I contact CBC, Global, Stephane Dion, Jack Layton, The Scarborough Mirror, Rogers Television, Autism Canada, and Senator Jim Munson
-----------------------
February 5th: Kind Person from Trenton, ON calls to let us know he's made it that far.
----------------------
February 2nd: Phone Call from Newtonville Ontario
- Lia contacts CityPuls 24 and CTV
---------------------------------------------------------
January 31st: Stefan Marinoiu leaves Toronto, ON to walk to Ottawa
9:31 PM
HEY!
So here's the deal:
We will be starting our walk Tomorrow at 8:00 AM at the OTTAWA RIVER PARKWAY and CARLING AVE.
Me, my father, and others supporting us will be walking up onto Parliament Hill between 11:00 to 11:30 AM From Wellington Avenue.
THANK YOU ALL!
Just a quick note:
My cell-phone # here is:
647-209-4018Although I appreciate all the calls of support, My phone is a "pay as you go" at 25 cents a minute, and I don't have the greatest amount of money on the phone. So this contact number is for media or my other contacts!
I LOVE YOU ALL, I REALLY DO, I MEAN IT!
See you all tomorrow!
WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET
5:00
HI EVERYONE!
I am currently in Kanata with Lucie Filteau, her husband, and two sons (who are absolutely adorable).
I have arrived safe and sound! The train ride was good considering the fact that I had an awesome train assistant who told me where to go and everything! I am glad to be in Kanata.
I will be updating go throughout the night. My dad should be coming soon with Lucie (he doesn't know I'm here)!!!
Myself, Lucie, Michael and Stefan will be planning the intinerary for tomorrow and we will post it up, and send it out to as MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
Since it will be posted up, we would appreciate your assistance in sending my father's story along with this information to all media you could possibly think of!
I love you allll!! Thank you sooo much for your help and assistance, but we aren't over yet!!!
So please everyone, keep pressing on, my dad just walked into the door!!
Byeee <3
Plans didn't go as smoothly as I hoped, so I will be leaving at a later time.
I called my father this morning, he is in good spirits, but he informed us that his left knee/leg (The one that was broken) is hurting his very badly.
If you see him, please don't stop him for too long, he says that if he stops too soon in his trek, it hurts for him to get a rhythm going again.
He will be leaving the Pond Motel at around 9:00 - 9:30 this morning.
He will be walking along these routes:
HWY 7
Then onto Route 36 - Hazeldean Drive
Then onto Route 61 - into Kanata
Thank you for all your support!
UPDATE FEB 9 2008
3:30 PM
Hi Everyone!
This is Lia, and these are probably going to be my last comments before I leave for Ottawa.
I would just like to thank EVERYONE for all their support and assistance. All of you have been such a blessing to my father, my family, and the families of autistic children across Canada.
It is not over yet. There is still Sunday and Monday.
I need EVERYONE in this group on board with my father as he walks into Ottawa Monday morning.
Now, I know all of you cannot be there when he walks in, but I need all of you to do AT LEAST ONE of the following things:
a) E-mail your MP/MPP or call their office to let them know of my dad’s journey
b) Contact ANY media in Ottawa or Toronto, e-mail them, call their newsrooms, we need ALL the attention we can get!
c) Attend the appeal hearing for the class-action lawsuit Monday Morning at the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto (If you live there). These 5 families need all the support they can get!
d) Invite as many people to this group as you can. Put the link on your face book, yuwie, myspace, any Social Networking System!
e) Let all your family/ friends/ co-workers in Ottawa know about my dad’s journey and encourage them to support him as he walks up onto Parliament Hill.
f) BE POSTITIVE! This may go the way we want it to, it may not. BUT THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS!
g) My wish is for this group to hit at least 2500 by Monday morning at 9:00 AM. I’ve invited all my friends and family to this group. No Matter where you live, this is a CANADIAN ISSUE, not just Ontario.
I love you all so much and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my family. I will be leaving my house at 5:00 PM this evening and I should be back at around 12:30 AM. I will post a message if I get a chance.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT MY MOM WHILE I’M AWAY. Our house phone number is on this page for a reason. Call it if you have ANY information, or even just words of encouragement for my mom.
I Will plug in my laptop as soon as I get into my hotel room.
Guys, even though my father’s journey will soon be over, this is just the beginning.
3:00
Just received a Call from the Ottawa Sun from a reporter named Terri, She wants to do something on my father!
12:30
We would like To Thank:
Brenda & Jim - For arranging the motel/hotel rooms for my dad
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place
Pond Motel - Carleton Place
PAT & TRISH & LAURA & ANDREW!
Kerry's Place Autism Services is arranging a train ride for me tomorrow morning in order to be there before my dad gets there.
Although, he DOESN'T know, and we would like to keep it this way.
My father called about 1/2 an hour ago to let us know that he was in Franktown having a Burger. I think he's already started walking to Carleton Place.
Is there any media there that we should alert? Would they be interested?
-----------------------------------------
UPDATE
7:30 PM
I have been in touch with my father who is at the Best Western Hotel in Smiths Falls (We would like to thank you for arranging this room for us Brenda & Pat)
Thank you to the owners of the Best Western Hotel in Smiths Falls!!!
We have also been informed that Lester's in Smiths Falls (10 Russels) gave my father a complimentary dinner! THANKS!
I do have the contact number of my father, although he has been receiving many media calls and calls from several contacts.
My dad thanks everyone for their support, what we need now is MEDIA ATTENTION on the day he gets to Ottawa.
I have mapped out a route (See map in pictures) that my father should be taking into Ottawa.
We plan for him to be there by Monday Morning at around 10:00 AM.
If you need to contact my father, please contact me and I will give you his contact information.
Thank you!
Lia
4:00 PM
My father called at 1:00 PM to let us know that he will be at a motel in Smiths Falls tonight
He has also informed us that he will contact all who wish to speak with him As soon as he settles down.
THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!
lia <3
11:45 AM
I have received an E-mail from Rosanne Lake a reporter from Smiths Falls This Week, she let me know that my father is walking along HWY 15 and is in good spirits.
His destination for tonight is Smiths Falls.
I have posted his most recent photo
I am signing off now, I will hopefully be back by 3:00
Thanks!
Lia
10:30 AM
I still have not been contacted by my father, or anyone who has seen him walking.
I will be signing off temporarily In order to go quickly to my school and drop off some paperwork.
I will be on facebook until 12:00 PM
I should be back at around 2:00 PM
PLEASE CALL MY MOTHER at home, she will be home to take any phone calls!
Thanks for everything!
Lia
9:00 AM
My Dad's story was on the following radio stations:
Mentioned on
96.3 FM (Yesterday) - Story on 4 PM News
98.3 FM (Yesterday & Today) - FLY FM
We would also like to thank:
Senator Jim Munson
Autism Foundation Canada
Belleville Intelligencer - Sean Tomlinson
Napanee Guide - Micah Luxen
Kerry's Place Autism Services
CKWS TV - Sam Goodwin
Kixx FM
Kingston Police Department
Autism Centre Canada - Noor
Pat La Londe
Andrew Kavchak
John Dunn
John McVicar
Taline Sagharian
Lucie Filteau
Johnathon
Romano Da Silva
Donna Beram
Courtney Evers
Malcolm Stanley
Pawandeep Uppal
The Ontario Provincial Police
AND EVERYONE IN THIS GROUP
We are so thankful for your support.
8:00 AM FEB 8 2008
My DAD did NOT call the Family last night.
I've posted a picture of his route to Ottawa along HWY 15!
Please let everyone you know along this route to look out for him.
I have been informed that the OPP is going to be watching out for him.
Again, I am staying home from school to take any phone calls regarding his journey, or any information.
If you do see my dad, please call me, Lia , ASAP!
Again I thank everyone for assisting my father in his journey and on behalf of my family and my father, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE
THERE WAS A PRESS RELEASE: (its in the discussion board)
I would also like to let everyone know that there is an Autism Class Action Lawsuit at the Court of Appeal for Ontario
I ENCOURAGE ALL parents (my mother will be attending) to attend this appeal hearing this upcoming monday february 11th!
More information can be found on the discussion board!
I would also like to let everyone know that my family was part of the Wynberg case that lost in 2004.
The Provincial Government spent MILLIONS of dollars to fight the families of autistic children.
Instead they could have used this money to assist these families.
Taline Sagharian and I would appreciate all your support in this upcoming hearing!
Keep me posted with any other information...
Lia <3
--------------
UPDATE:
My daddy is now walking on highway 15 towards elgin, a kind man by the name of johnathan has offered him a place to stay
He also called me to say thank you to everyone for supporting him.
I would like to thank Kerry's Place Autism Services from Kingston Ontario for the photos and the kind lady who allowed him to use her cellphone!
I would also like to thank Pat La Londe from Kingston....THANK YOU <3
Thank you Angela!!!!!!
-------------------
12:00 PM
I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT MY DAD MAY HAVE CHANGED HIS ROUTE TO HIGHWAY 15, CKWS NEWS WENT OUT ALONG HIGHWAY 2 TO FIND HIM, AND THEY COULDNT.
IF ANYONE HAS SEEN HIM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
---------------------------------------
GUYS ANOTHER E-MAIL
your dad was near the Causeway in Kingston heading toward RMC College
PLEASE TELL EVERYONE!
-----------
NEWS FLASH
MY DAD IS IN KINGSTON ONTARIO, RIGHT NOW!
HE WAS SEEN IN FRONT OF THE Whig Standard.
PLEASE LET EVERYONE YOU KNOW, KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!
THANKS!
--------------------
February 7th 2008
I have been contacted by Autism Canada and they have sent e-mails to all their contacts in the region
9:00 AM - Opened my inbox to find all the support from the group inside
9:00 AM - MY FATHER WAS SPOTTED EAST OF NAPANEE ONTARIO YESTERDAY
----------
February 6th: Autism Canada calls my house asking how to contact my father
- Autism Canada lets my mother know that The Honourable Senator Jim Munson would like to speak with my father
- I Create this facebook group
- I contact CTV & CityPulse again, they haven't contacted me yet
- I contact CBC, Global, Stephane Dion, Jack Layton, The Scarborough Mirror, Rogers Television, Autism Canada, and Senator Jim Munson
-----------------------
February 5th: Kind Person from Trenton, ON calls to let us know he's made it that far.
----------------------
February 2nd: Phone Call from Newtonville Ontario
- Lia contacts CityPuls 24 and CTV
---------------------------------------------------------
January 31st: Stefan Marinoiu leaves Toronto, ON to walk to Ottawa