Today, April 2, is the 11th Annual World Autism Awareness Day. Today, we salute Ridgefield resident, Alex Fischetti.
Alex is a 2009 graduate of Ridgefield High School and member of SPHERE who was diagnosed with autism at the age of nine. Alex doesn't let autism get in the way serving others and achieving his dreams. In addition to working at The Ridgefield Playhouse and writing for HamletHub, Alex has raised $26,000 for the Women's Center, one of the many nonprofits he serves with pride and passion.
Alex is also an author. He recently released his first book: The Lonesome Boy and the Blonde Haired Angel. In Alex's beautifully illustrated picture book, he shares his personal journey from a world of social isolation to a life of joy. (his book is available at Books on the Common in Ridgefield as well as online via Amazon).
Read our interview with Alex here.
Today on Facebook, Alex wrote:
I Alex Fischetti was diagnosed with autism when I was 9 years old.
Since then I have interviewed big Hollywood figures (Warren Beatty, Peter Falk, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joe Pesci, etc) and befriended some of them (Ed Asner, Charles Grodin), written NUMEROUS published articles including one for AARP magazine, am PRAISED for my hard work at the The Ridgefield Playhouse to the point where I was given a special award in 2013 in honor of all I do, raised a total of $26,000 and counting for The Women's Center of Greater Danbury and am now in the process of promoting and selling what will be one of the BEST selling books of all time that I’ve written and held in my hand in this pic!
Autism? Doesn’t seem to affect me one bit!
Thank you and GOD BLESS everyone who has cheered for me, encouraged me and loves me in the midst of my EXCITING BLESSED filled blue hearted journey!
All glory to the Lord for the BEAUTIFUL life I have and the people he’s let into it!
And the best part of all this is: You ain’t seen nothing yet!
We can't see what the future holds for you, Alex. Thank you for your service to our community! We are proud of your achievements and in awe of your ability to overcome so many obstacles. You are an inspiration to all.
*Image courtesy of Alex Fischetti.