Urania Caldera, a speech therapist who works with autistic children and director for SLB Therapy and Beyond Expectations Academy, said there is a big need for resources for families with autistic children.

"The D Amor Foundation strives to create resources that are essential to the improvement of a child with autism and their family," Caldera said. "Resources such as speech, occupational, physical, ABA,  and sensory therapies, just to name a few, are indispensable for a child with autism. Many insurance companies do not cover these much-needed services and children with autism cannot live without them. By creating resources and enabling parents to access these resources, we can help children with autism overcome their every day tribulations. Let's support D Amor Foundation to help children with autism improve their lives."

The Montalvos also have received help from Ileana Garcia, radio host of WRMA-Romance 106.7 FM, who has spread the news about the fundraiser.

"I feel the need to support all of God's children whenever I can," Garcia said. "I remember my cousin having this condition that doctors couldn't pinpoint which today is autism and what little resources and awareness there was back in the 70s. I have a beautiful nephew who was recently diagnosed and I admire my sister Maritza for her perseverance in making sure he has everything he needs so that he can become an independent soul in such an intricate world. I believe that children with autism vibrate at a different level, which our modern day society has not yet understood. That is why the parents of these special souls are heroes to me." 

Motivational speaker, author, columnist and radio personality Maria Marin plans to be there on Friday. 

"Any foundation related to children always touches your heart and you want to contribute in any way you can, but in the case of the D Amor Foundation, I was inspired by its founder Maria Rivero-Montalvo," Marin said. "Every day I speak to women through my radio show and seminars on how to take life-changing events and create a positive outcome and Maria Rivero-Montalvo has managed, not only to fight and get better opportunities for her son, but now she shares her immense love and dedication with other children who have Autism. I admire and support the stories of successful women 'without limits,' so I'll be there next Friday to support Maria and her wonderful foundation." 

Montalvo, who is grateful for the help, said that above all she wants to spread the message of love. "No matter how difficult autism can be as a condition, we love our son Diego with all of our heart," she said.  "He is truly a blessing in our lives." 

For more information on Autism, please visit www.autismspeaks.org and www.autismsocietymiami.org.  If you would like to contact D Amor Foundation to assist in their efforts to provide better resources for children with Autism in the West Kendall area, please visit www.damor.org. 

Maray Rodriguez is a West Kendall homeowner, wife, mother of two and blogs about life in West Kendall for West Kendall Today, an independent news partner of The Miami Herald. To reach West Kendall Today, follow us on Facebook, Twitter@WKendallToday or send an email to editor@westkendalltoday.com