{"id":91166,"date":"2017-01-20T09:24:47","date_gmt":"2017-01-20T14:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=91166"},"modified":"2019-11-12T15:48:49","modified_gmt":"2019-11-12T20:48:49","slug":"family-dover-boy-autism-receives-outpouring-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2017\/01\/20\/family-dover-boy-autism-receives-outpouring-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Family of Dover Boy with Autism Receives ‘Outpouring of Support’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ydr.com<\/a><\/h2>\n

Abbey Zelko<\/p>\n

\"Dover\"<\/a>When Robyn Foller posted a request on Facebook for cards for her son\u2019s 13th birthday, she didn\u2019t expect much.<\/p>\n

She thought maybe she’d get a couple of cards that could help cheer him up after years of heartbreaking birthdays.<\/p>\n

But she never expected such an overwhelming outpouring of support from the community.<\/p>\n

In just two weeks, she\u2019s received at least 50 cards and four packages from across the country \u2013 most from people she\u2019s never met. But what surprised her the most were the people who felt inspired to go one step further after hearing her son’s story.<\/p>\n

Zach Foller, a sixth grader at Dover Elementary School, is turning 13 on Jan. 28. But this year, he decided he doesn\u2019t want to have a birthday party.<\/p>\n

\u201cNobody comes to my party anyway,\u201d he told his mom. \u201cNobody likes me because of my disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zach was recently diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.<\/p>\n

His words struck a chord with many. And now, at least three groups are planning surprise parties for Zach \u2013 hoping to make his 13th birthday his best one yet.<\/p>\n

The Shiloh American Legion Riders posted plans on Facebook to throw a private party with cake, ice cream and gifts.<\/p>\n

Several members of the Eureka Volunteer Fire Company of Stewartstown plan to take Zach for a ride on a firetruck during their party with \u201cStar Wars\u201d characters, pizza and ice cream.<\/p>\n

And the York College chapter of Best Buddies \u2013 a non-profit organization that works with people with intellectual and mental disabilities \u2013 is throwing a party for Zach\u2019s family and friends on campus with party games and a DJ.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we heard Zach\u2019s story, that\u2019s everything that Best Buddies stands for,\u201d Lydia Moro, Best Buddies treasurer, said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it was one of our buddies that felt this way and didn\u2019t have the community to rely on, we wouldn\u2019t feel right about that,\u201d Best Buddies member Tristan Cara added. \u201cIt\u2019s something everyone deserves \u2013 a community.\u201d<\/p>\n

All three parties are private and not open to the public.<\/p>\n

Dover Mayor Robert Dentler said he\u2019s also hoping to work with Dover Elementary School to throw a party with Zach\u2019s classmates.<\/p>\n

And Zach\u2019s bus driver wants to fill the school bus with balloons for his birthday, Robyn said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s getting so emotional because of all the outpouring of support and (people) saying you\u2019re not alone,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to let him know he isn\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robyn said the overwhelming response from the community has inspired her to set up a Facebook group called Autism Kids Rock, where parents of autistic kids can talk, lend support, ask questions and set up times for their kids to meet.<\/p>\n

“I hope (Zach) knows after all this that people care about him,” she said. “They\u2019re not just doing this for show. They really know what he\u2019s going through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Birthday cards are still being accepted.<\/p>\n

To help make Zach\u2019s 13th birthday special, send cards to:<\/p>\n

Zachary Thomas Foller, 4550 Bull Road, Lot 21, Dover, PA 17315<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To read the full story click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Robyn Foller posted a request on Facebook for cards for her son\u2019s 13th birthday, she didn\u2019t expect much. She thought maybe she’d get a couple of cards that could help cheer him up after years of heartbreaking birthdays. 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