A mother's love lit a spark of hope!

Jen Coats was taken aback when her young son was diagnosed with autism, but she was determined to fight for him-and along the way, she built a network of compassion and support to give hope to others.

- Bill Holton

Tears spilled down Jen Coats' cheeks as she buckled little Nolan into his car seat. At three years old, he barely spoke, and rarely responded to other kids during play dates.

“He has Autism,” the doctor had just told her, and Jen was uncertain what his future would hold.

“I suppose there’s a part of me that knew all along,” Jen said to her mother-in-law, who had come with her to the appointment for support.

“No one really needs to know,” came her reply, trying to comfort Jen—but the statement did just the opposite. Jen’s tears dried instantly as her mood shifted. She gripped the steering wheel, remembering her father and how he’d never shown pride in any of her accomplishments when she was growing up.

Nothing she did had ever been good enough for him, and the sting of rejection still lingered.

I'll never be that parent, she silently vowed, touching her belly where her second child was growing, and almost instantly, Jen transformed from a panicking mom into a fighting mama bear.

Instilling confidence