Who is Lucero Wiley?
…and, why has she dedicated her upcoming Ironman 70.3 World Championship race to Conner Cummings, our Zoom Autism Magazine Ambassador and Editor-at-Large?
First, you have to understand Lucero and her fierce determination to make ours a better world. She’s a first-generation immigrant who recently became an American citizen and earned the right to vote. Lucero takes her oath as a citizen and her civic duty very seriously. When she sees injustice or her community in need, she steps into the arena and fights for change.
Lucero Wiley is running for the Senate in Virginia and the heart and soul of her platform is advocating for diversity, inclusion and quality of life for underserved populations.
“Great things never come from comfort zones and we have the responsibility to leave this world a better place for future generations. So, we have to stand up. For freedom. For justice. For opportunity. For equal rights.”
Did I mention she also runs for recreation?
…and swims and cycles too. Lucero is an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner who uses her races as a means to help different causes and organizations. She has fundraised thousands of dollars in support of disabled veterans, finding a cure for breast cancer and AIDS, homelessness awareness, and rebuilding Puerto Rico.
Lucero attributes her physical and mental strength for running endurance sports to her mentor and coach Dai Roberts.
“He’s not only coached and trained me, but has taught me with his own strength to never give up. That no matter what life throws at you…you have to keep moving forward.”
The two are teaming up to run the upcoming Ironman 70.3 in Cozumel, Mexico in September. They have been searching to race for a reason much bigger than their personal goals. Lucero found their “reason” when she met Conner Cummings.
“The challenges in our lives can make or break us, but at the end of the day, we are not what happened to us, but rather what we choose to become. Magical things happen when you believe.”
Lucero Wiley
Why #Race4Conner?
While on her campaign trail, Lucero met Conner and his mom, Sharon Cummings, who have been tirelessly fighting to change legislation regarding autism and special needs support laws in this country. She was captivated by Conner’s strength and courage to go into places that are uncomfortable for him and speak his written words to change laws and bring positive changes for the autism community.
When he talks about Zoom Autism Magazine, Conner says, “I have a job that wants and needs me.” Conner is the heart and soul of Zoom. He represents our mission and why it matters. “It’s a place where autistic abilities are recognized, respected and valued. When you read Zoom, I want you to see hope and to realize how accomplished we are in our own way, just like when you look at me and my Mickey ears.”
“I knew after meeting him that we were going to #Race4Conner, the Autistic Ambassador who made changes in himself that no one but his mother believed he could do, changed an important VA law, and now wants to help change the lives of other autistic individuals.”
How will #Race4Conner help Zoom Autism soar?
Conner has chosen Zoom Autism Magazine (part of Geek Club Books 501c3), Autism Society of Northern Virginia, and Arc of Northern Virginia as the recipients of Lucero’s Ironman #Race4Conner fundraising.
Zoom is managed by volunteers so 100% of the funds raised will go directly towards paying our autistic contributors for their work. Every mile Team #Race4Conner swims, runs, and bikes and the people who fund their campaign means that Zoom can soar to new heights and bring more opportunities for autistic voices to be heard.
“Join my friend Lucero Wiley in believing in me, Zoom Magazine and those of us with autism as she competes in her Iron Man challenge and raises money for my campaign. You can pledge to join Lucero alongside every mile she swims, bikes and runs in order to raise money for those of us with autism.”
Conner Cummings
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE CAMPAIGN PAGE
What can YOU do to help?
- Pledge your support for the future of Zoom – Please make a monetary donation to the #Race4Conner
- Endorse the campaign – Write words of support on the campaign page to bring more attention to it in the newsfeed.
- Follow Zoom Autism on Facebook and Twitter and Geek Club Books on Instagram and repost, reshare, and retweet to spread the word about the magic of Zoom being sponsored by the #Race4Conner
Read more about Conner Cummings and Zoom Autism Magazine:
- Zoom Autism Magazine and our current issue
- Zoom Manifesto written by Conner Cummings
- Our Autistic Advisory Board
- The Magic of Conner Cummings
- Conner’s Law for Special Needs Child Support
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