Like it was yesterday, I can still vividly recall the first time I met Suzanne Wright. It was on the Plaza of 30 Rock. We had just finished our first Plaza appearance on the Today Show to announce our new partnership with Autism Speaks and raise awareness for World Autism Awareness Day. Bob and Suzanne had been in the studio sharing their story and came bursting outside to thank us. Suzanne could not contain her gratitude and excitement …and just kept saying she could not believe we woke up at 4 a.m. to do this!
Flash forward a year, and I am back in NYC for World Autism Awareness Day. This time I am at the NYSE to witness the opening bell ringing. Suzanne, same full of life vibrancy enters the room and as I go to reintroduce myself, she stops me to say she knows who I am…I am Alpha Xi Delta. She, then again, shares her gratitude for all we are doing. She can name events, and she shares examples of our advocacy that I would have never guessed she noticed. She told me we cannot stop, that we must keep working hard together and think of the difference we will make!
We met once in a 10-minute exchange in a whirl wind of a day…and yet she remembered, she noticed, she paid attention….she cared. This is Suzanne Wright. She felt a kin to Alpha Xi Delta for as we embraced the organization she founded, we embraced her. We took her spark and lit a fire in our Sisterhood. We became her sorority. Every walk, Alpha Xi Delta is there. Every major initiative, Alpha Xi Delta is there. Even on the staff of the organization, Alpha Xi Delta is there.
Suzanne Wright is a woman of courage. Courage to take a diagnosis of her beloved grandson and make a movement—a revolution that became Autism Speaks…it was not just about her…but all that are impacted.
Suzanne was gracious. I have never been in her presence when she is not thanking someone or everyone! She is known for her personal handwritten notes. Thank you notes for thank you notes….she never forgets the importance of the art of gratitude.
Suzanne was a woman of peace. She thought globally. How do we impact all and bring greater compassion to all? How do we help all families come to grips with this diagnosis? How do we help provide support? Every, EVERY person matters!
Suzanne reminds us of who we all aspire to be. Those who have courage, be gracious, and make peace.
Your light was bright, Suzanne. You shone beautifully on all you touched. Your spark was contagious, my friend. You have a Sisterhood of 175,000 women who are ready and poised to keep the light burning. We are women like you - mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, doctors, therapists, researchers, lobbyists…strong, compassionate, giving souls who want nothing more than to make the world better for all.
Thank you for the lessons that you have given us—compassion, perseverance and the power of one. Look at the difference one woman can make!
Rest in peace…you are loved.
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