More Than a Race: Eli’s Journey Forward

For Jackie, hearing her son say “love you” for the first time was a moment years in the making. 

Before joining Birch Family Services, four-year-old Elijah (“Eli”) was completely nonverbal after being diagnosed on the autism spectrum before age two. His family searched tirelessly for support, facing moments that felt “uncertain and overwhelming,” even paying out of pock for services that were only a fraction of what he needed to thrive. 

Then two friends pointed them toward Birch. 

Today, Jackie says Birch gave her family more than services for Eli, it gave them a community. That is why Jackie and her family are proudly participating in Birch Family Services’ 5K Forward: Fast Track to Empowerment with their own fundraising team, Team Eli. 

“When Eli first came to Birch, he struggled to communicate even his most basic wants and needs,” Jackie shared. “Now he’s able to communicate so much more than he did before.” 

Today, Eli can say more than 100 words. He sings, reads, and spells words far beyond what his family expected at his age. But for Jackie, one milestone stands above the rest. 

“He was finally able to say ‘love you,’ and I was shocked,” she said. “It’s a big thing.” 

For Team Eli, the 5K is about more than crossing the finish line. It is about celebrating Eli’s journey while helping other families find the same support and hope they once needed. 

“It’s always the goal to help the next person,” Jackie said. “The only way is to pay it forward.” 

Jackie says the 5K is also a chance to bring families, friends, and supporters together to raise awareness for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. 

“It gets better and you have to find your village,” she said. “Your children will give you strength you didn’t think you had.” 

Join Team Eli and support Birch Family Services at the 14th Annual 5K Forward on Sunday, May 17 at Pier 62 in Hudson River Park.