GLEN ROCK, N.J.– Christina Sheehan-Peck wants her son, Tyler, to see blue lights and bows as he walks through Glen Rock's central business district next month – this way he knows he's not alone.
“I have a strong desire to educate the town and show my kids that they are welcome here," said Sheehan-Peck, who is kicking off Autism Awareness Month by distributing the bows and selling colored light bulbs and floodlights.
The mother of three is looking to eliminate the stigma around her nine-year-old son's condition.
“I hate the negative connotation that autism has," she told Daily Voice. "It may explain some behaviors, but it doesn't define anyone. It doesn't label them."
The community has embraced the idea.
Perry's Florist is making 80 royal blue bows – in addition to those that Sheehan-Peck and her friends crafted.
Studio 5 Salon is offering free blue hair extensions for girls.
Four bows will adorn the pillars of Borough Hall and Glen Rock employees will receive pin-on ribbons.
“The response made it snowball into something bigger than it would ever be," said Sheehan-Peck, the president of a medical company. “It warms my heart, but I don’t know if i’m surprised.
"This is why people move to Glen Rock and stay in Glen Rock. This is Mayberry.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fair Lawn-Glen Rock and receive free news updates.
