TheCraziestCatLadyXX
868704
17899
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This is my cousin Jared. Jared was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. He is now 26 years old and has the mentality of a 5 year old.
Jared has the ability to speak, but communication is very limited.
He lost his father, and best friend, last year due to cancer. The loss of a parent is difficult for anyone. However, for Jared, it hasn't been easy for him to cope.
So, his family has put together a page with one purpose. To bring a ray of sunshine back into his life. The page is called, "Cards for Jared". Jared loves checking the mail. So, his family created the page in hopes that people might take a moment or two out of their day to send him a letter, post card or just nice words.
The page has already brought so much joy back into his life. Every day he eagerly goes to the mail to see if he's gotten anything.
So, now. I bring the story of my cousin to the Imgur community with hopes that you may help him reach even more people. He's an amazing person, and this project has already done so much for him.
The Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1602131073333020
Where letters can be sent:
Jared Politte
P.O. Box 1203
Festus, MO 63028
FP Edit: I'm overwhelmed by the support of the imgur community. Thank you all so much for the overwhelming amount of support you're showing towards my cousin, Jared. To answer a few questions.
His interest are Disney, especially Mickey Mouse, Scooby Doo, Stickers and coloring books. He's not allergic to any foods/candies. And the address is in the U.S. I will do my best to keep everyone updated! Thank you all so much again!
Update: His shirt size is a men's medium. I'm doing my best to answer all questions / messages. Thank you allike again!
sosimsinking
Someone email/get in touch with the cardinals. Theres a great opportunity for cards for jared to take on another huge meaning
ANunWithGuns
This is such a thoughtful and heartfelt idea. I fucking love cousins.
ShiShu
I have an autistic son. A fellow imgurian sent him a handmade shark blanket and it made him so happy!
MongrelArchitect
Wow, that's awesome! This is kind of a great little community here. :)
NerdyBean
@OP I wanted to send your cousin a shirt along with my letter. He seems to like mickey? What size is he?
HashMaster9k
Medium Mens.
NerdyBean
Ok thanks. He looked like he was a medium, but pictures can be deceptive. :-)
bradley78910
I also have an autistic son who lost the main man in his life. This is so heartwarming and awesome. Will write soon!
BuffyMarsSavesTheWorld
I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope he's able to find some more joy to fill the void in his life! Best wishes to you both!
omgshutup
Dude, Jared, you are getting a dope postcard soon.
htmlr00lzdude
You should post this again in a few months so the cards keep flowing
PandolfsParade
A repost? On Imgur? That would never happen.
BuffyMarsSavesTheWorld
I agree. Who cares about reposts if it reaches an audience that it never had before. You know, god forbid, new people find the internet.
lsheffie
One repost I certainly wouldn't mind!
TroynAbedinthemorning
This is awesome! Does he like the St Louis Blues? I'm heading to the game tomorrow night. Thought I might pick something up for him.
HunterThompsonsentmehere
HOCKEY'S FINALLY BACK! LET'S GO SENS!!!!
Nobodylikes23yearolds
LGB!!!
joojoogajoo
I google and found Jared's dad's obit. Very sad loss. OP is not a bundle of sticks and I will send Jared cards. Xo
WilliestOfAllTheJoes
Jesus Christ!! It's 4:52am. I'm taking a morning shit and this made me burst into tears. Prepare your mailbox, Jared!
Bri4h
It's 620am, and I just did the same thing.
TosokTheRodentHunter
I'm assuming USA?
timelessclassical
It is yes, it's a Missouri zip code :)
ScoreMe
Brilliant! If he ever wants tickets to Universal Studios in Florida, they'll be free from me.
SirDoctorAwesome
People like you make me realise that mankind its not ruined:)
fueledbytea
You wonderful human being!
Teabagus
Go jared, go cards!
tedbutts
I am sure this comment will just fall into oblivion, but try to stagger the cards out so he doesn't get 100 this week and a few next week.
karenf1988
I'll be sending him a wee postcard from Scotland in the UK! :)
AnalChain
I DEMAND UPDATES OF THIS... y'know if it's not too much trouble :p
bioshockingly
As a fellow guy who also autism (diagnosed with ADHD and PDDNOS) id be happy to send you a card, life can get tough, so i'll make it worth
DuckeyBones
My brother's autistic. This hits home pretty hardcore. Greetings from KCMO, and I hope to send Jared something soon. This is just great.
AmiAthena
More KCMO Imgurians? I'm not from there, but I met 2-3 of them at Camp Imgur.
PBandBananas
I'm in Kansas City! I use to work with a fellow imgurian and a good friend is one but haven't met any since!
DuckeyBones
There's dozens of us. Dozens!
XYisMale
#1 Jared the jar head. I love marines
LackOfImagination
From the thumbnail I thought this post would be a jar head called Jared. +1
PuppyGotPeopleToBarkAtAndThingsToSniff
I want to create hundreds of accounts to upvote this to the front page.
magus6796
I don't think we need to....just about there! Great idea tho, putting those bots to actual good use.
idontneedyourrulesman
My 13 yr old is autistic, I think he would like a chance to send Jared a card and some of his drawings.
Kittenfaces
Does Jared have a favorite cartoon? I work in animation, I can't promise but if I have a connection to his favorite show I wanna try!
HashMaster9k
And Looney Tunes.
ZukoTheFeebleTurtleDuck
OP said Mickey Mouse
CookieMonsterYumYum
If you do it, please post it for us to see it as well > . < good luck!
Alwayskneph
Everybody on imgur should send him a card yearly and use their own birthday as a reminder. He should end up with a at least a card a day.
HashMaster9k
This, it's a brilliant Idea! I'm doing it, so he will always get a card in August.
MrsNedRyerson
Are you in marketing? You should be in marketing! My bday is coming up..I am going to do this!
Nevermore9197
Oh gawd, I'm sure my wife, who is an intervention specialist, and I will be sending something
biggreenchair
Prepare your mailbox?
TheMonays
oh baby
polishfreak8
Analog Imgur hug of death?
StefnArnarsson
Nudes? I'm sending Nudes..
Wakborder517
noooooo
fyggnuuton
Yessss
Screensniper
My mailbox is ready
irrelephantkoalafications
Prepare your mailbox! :D
bloodtippedrose
Call the locksmith!
miffet
CAAALL THE LOCKSMITH
IamTonyStark
"Who are you and how did you get in here?" I'm a locksmith, and I'm a locksmith.
HolyStalactite
Prepare your mailbox.
ebap
Prepare your mailbox!
OlgasOnFire
Prepare your mailbox!
nuplsstahp
HURR DURR CHICKEN BREASTS
Guzinator
I did each one of these with sequentially higher voice
IusedtobeapervertIstillambutIusedtobetoo
Follow the yellow brick road!
chefboyardeeee
what if I send him pizzas instead
inmusicutrust
Pizzas need to be sent to a different address: 14 Whibley Place, New Fairfield CT 06814. I am told he likes sausage and bacon pizza.
[deleted]
[deleted]
inmusicutrust
Didn't put my real address(although it was very similar) and posted at 3 am so no.
chefboyardeeee
I can send you pizza too, I used to live in CT, its a lonely place
inmusicutrust
It's a fake address, but it's very similar to my real address.
chefboyardeeee
well I guess someone else will be getting a single slice of pizza in an envelope then
GrimRiderJ
I can him getting hundreds of letters.. But next year back to nothing. How could we post date the letters? Maybe the could be mailed to you<
StephiesJets0020
I agree. I also wouldn't mind seeing quarterly reposts reminders OP. Btw I don't know if you mentioned this but when is his birthday
magus6796
I don't know why you got the initial down-votes, I think it is a good idea. spread it out so its not as overwhelming, and lasts 'longer'...
AmiAthena
There are a number of services that will automatically send cards out on a certain date.
GrimRiderJ
Over time as to extend the joy?
ellmitchell
If it's a PO box they might already be doing this
GrimRiderJ
> and you could forward to him?
TaylorT
I like this idea.
GrimRiderJ
Thank you
BruinsSuck
I am here to remind you that this post still exists.
GrimRiderJ
Hey and a good job you have done, right in time for the holidays.
obizues
This kind of worries me to be honest, he might not understand the high influx, and see it as a negative when it goes back to normal.
CarrionDoll
That is something to consider.
PurplePixieUK
Unless he's only given one or two of the cards received every day to stretch it out.
ridefree
I agree with this-I thought the same thing. I'm putting the address in my Holiday book -he shall receive a card from me every holiday ♡
OkSureNoProblem
Such a nice thought :)
RebelJane
This is such an awesome idea. I will be doing this too. And I will send him one from Disney World in November when i get there <3
RozalynThays
Same here! Awesome idea!!!
solivagus
You're awesome
ridefree
I can only hope that if I have a child that is autistic, after I am gone, that child has a wonderful relative like you caring for them <3
ridefree
Thank you! I love getting mail too, so to hear that makes someone else happy as well-I'm happy to oblige. For years down the road :)
solivagus
I would be happy to send you a card as well
ridefree
Oh how fun! All of Imgur should send random postcards. Feel free to shoot me a msg and I'll send ya my address!
SnifflePrickle
FESTUS! That's right near me! Sending a card, OP.
PBandBananas
I'm up in Kansas City! When I get paid I'd love to send him a little something!
whooshby
I drive through there and stop at Steak n Shake, sometimes. I think of Festivus - George's holiday from Seinfeld.
WhimsicalCalamari
Wait crap what? A not-big-city place that I've heard of on Imgur?
KrombopulusMichaelKiIls
I know right! It's so weird to hear of nearby places on the vast infinite span of the internet.
intheenditwas
I'm just a bit northwest of yall! Jared.. Prepare for some Mickey Mouse things!
kayteeblue
I live in Pacific! :D I was already planning on sending a letter, but now I'm even more excited to. Hahaha.
Leiols
I miss read that as fetus abd was very confused
difficultdifficultlemondifficult
I read it as "festivus"
KingDingaLingOfHouseHymenHammer
Calm down Roman
prolificsockcollection
Don't worry, happens all the time
howonearthdidigethere
I grew up near there too!
magus6796
Any other things that he likes to do? Like stickers or other things like that?
countryliving
My brother had autism and absolutely LOVED puzzles. Does Jared enjoy them as well?
brynbuchholz
Who doesn't love stickers! I'm sending stickers.
SnarkySophia
A dear friend's son is on the spectrum and is terrified of stickers. It's usually good to ask first.
TheCraziestCatLadyXX
I meant to include that! He absolutely loves Mickey Mouse, coloring books and stickers!
superjario18
Gah I added a comment but didn't see this one. What about legos/star wars, etc?
timelessclassical
You considered a fund raising page? If he loves Mickey, I'm sure you'd get a few thousand people donating to send him to Disneyworld
Ashtacular
Huh. I was planning on hitting up Disneyland this week. May have to grab something and mail it.
fiera
You are awesome. Just so you know.
RockEmSockEmRobot
Do you know his birthday by any chance OP, I work for Disney and would love to send a pin. But otherwise it will be an "Unbirthday" pin ;)
Kappa043
I'll send a postcard!
GrimRiderJ
Please add that if you hit FP. Make sure people who don't read the comments can have that relevant info.
witchtrash
Does Jared like all things Disney? Or just Mickey Mouse? I wanna send happiness :)
RockEmSockEmRobot
Any chance you know of his birthday? I work for Disney and would love to send a birthday pin. But I will try to send one regardless.
RelevantReference
Please edit the post if you can and include that information! I had to dig to find this, many others won't...
walkingtallmachinegunman
What about pictures?
SometimesYouJustNeedTo
Sending a package from Calgary, Canada. Will go today to the shops to find some cool colouring books and a card!
thezerosum
Prepare for stickers!
Halfsharkhalfbee
Edit the post op! Let everyone know :)
ilikedogsdogsarecool
I'm thinking of sending a toy from my childhood. Is he familiar with bionicles?
GetSchwifty
Mother fucking bionicles!
ilikedogsdogsarecool
Can't tell if that had a positive or negative connotation
GetSchwifty
Positive. I didnt own too many but they were awesome and had the best commercials.
magus6796
Awesome man, i'm going to put a little something together this week for him.
ExDei
Coloring books and 'dot-to-link' games (real name ?) package is on its way ! (work in 'paper games' editor), have to cross Atlantic now ...
McKavian
We call 'dot-to-link' 'connect the dot' pictures/games. *waves from 'Merica*
ExDei
Hi 'Merica ! Thanx to learn me the first thing of my day, love to learn new things.
McKavian
Stick wit me, kid, I'sa keep learning ya tings. (sometimes even moderately useful information as well.)
StrawberryAlarmClock
Is he allergic to anything? I'm from Canada so I was going to send some super Canadian things like maple candy or thing of that nature.
fiera
This is why we love our frozen Canadian friends!
StrawberryAlarmClock
Who doesn't love Canadians?!
fiera
THEY GAVE US TIM HORTONS HOW CAN WE NOT LOVE THEM? On second thought, I might need to lay off the coffee for the rest of the day...
outdoorsman
Protect the Hat!!
KadyWalls
Hi Canada!!! I've always wanted to visit you. Is trailer park boys a real thing. Are all Canada's like Ricky?!
StrawberryAlarmClock
Hi :) trailer park boys is very popular but only with a certain crowd/age group. I never liked it so I can't answer that question, sorry
Sarumanandtheamazingtechnicolourdreamcoat
Yes, all Canada's are like Ricky. Including myself.
EDarwin
I'm excited. I want to send him something too!
sarah
Jared, prepare your mailbox for a card from every single Imgur employee!
thisismypost
everyone!lets send him nudes!we r an inclusive community and dont discriminate anyone.it'll make him feel awesome...or the complete opposite
TheWholiganOfGallifrey
Nicely done, milady.
Saucethatisawesome
Is there a way to set a post date on mail? If he checks every day it would be a shame to get lots all at once and then nothing after.
winterthemute74
this is so awesome
chronicrv
You da real MVP!
FUCKSAKEWHYISEVERYSINGLEUSERNAMETAKEN
we love you sarah ;)
NotMyScienceAccount
This is why we love imgur. You guys are great! Keep it up guys!
AmiAthena
This is why I love you guys.
KaladinStormblessed777
Be sure to include a banana for scale when you mail the package.
INeedAHotChocolate
Stagger the cards out a bit so he gets them over a long time instead all at once.
redbrickown
This makes me smile
TheDickMakesItBetter
@sarah u da best
jweenypwee
Send him a Sare Bear.
thugrats
Well that's pretty damn awesome
AsianMilfslayer
Damnit you're forcing all of us to send snail mail?
OhhhDrZaius
Wow, you guys really like helping the less fortunate, good for u!
HowardMoonsHotpants
sarah thx
MikeFat
sarah pls
murdowg
U guys rock
iAMthedroidurlookingfor
And me!
SindhiBuoySaar
oohh you are the famous sarah.!! < first time saw your comment >
yoshimasta
This is why I love Imgur. Bless you all guys.
LosThePlot
If this promise is anything like the folders for favorites fiasco expect the card from the team in a few years.
mvp84
You are so awesome!!!!!!! May I suggest he get some imgur swag?
sarah
Absolutely. I'll make it happen :)
ButtholeFlower
Sweet Jenkins. You guys are thenbes knees @sarah
toasttwithjam
PRAISE SARA AND THE IMGUR TEAM! WOO!:DD
Wittyyetsenseless
Send him a stuffed giraffe wearing a monocle :D
LionHeart31337
Brilliant!
ImThePastTenseOfDraw
Wearing a michael cera beanie
GrimRiderJ
+1 for it being you.
TheCochNessMonster
http://imgur.com/nqXUskf
Wittyyetsenseless
....and a top hat.
Newbile
With a dickbutt tattoo hidden subtlety somewhere on its body
RyeInACan
mental capacity of 5 years says maaaaaybe dickbutt wouldnt be good for him. good try though.
fuckwithfoxes
Sassy. +1
taj1994
And a banana for scale
bongjord
serapls u make me crie
gravycannons
@Sarah this makes me so happy. Imgur is the best.
PsychoCajun
I just cried
ashipthatshipsshippingships
Sarah, Sarah. Whatever will be, will be.
ohmegatron
*k, Sarah, Sarah
GrizzlyWicks
The futures not ours to see
Carnwennan
"Prepare your mailbox" -Sarah 2015. In all seriousness, you guys are freakin' amazing.
SexyClaptrap
awwww!!!
orangeisthenewbasic
dammit i want to go around high five-ing Jared, OP, @sarah, all other Imgurians! the feels are good alright
babyhippooo
I REQUEST UPDATES FROM OP AND THE IMGUR TEAM
[deleted]
[deleted]
MrsNedRyerson
@sarah :So I clicked on your username..bc like all of imgur, I loves ya. YOU ARE ALAN'S SISTER?! Did you go to Ohio U too? (I am an OU grad)
crames
Sarah just dropped a post card off at my desk to write so itshappening.jpg
Baffelgab
@sarah
HelenaL
Get this comment higher!!!!
satanismybitch
Sign my name and throw in 5$. I'll hit you back on the flippity flop.
mellowdrama
You win Biggest Laugh This Morning award! At first glance, I thought you were really into satin...
ihatepeoplesomuch
*throws basketball*
MrsNedRyerson
I can sign most of my coworker's names, now, due to the pass-around of bday cards. haha I accept diet cokes & chocolate as payment.
TheGreatLordLucifer
What the fuck does your username imply?
pandabear411
'Grunge slang' at it's finest. +1.
ihavequestions
Yeah, me too, thanks fam.
GoDDstopper
Flippity flip
ObviousCaptain
You sound very trust worthy .... satanismybitch
COLONELOBVlOUS
You are a very obvious captain by the way.
boredomboredomboredom
I'm really bored but so do you i think
runeking884
peasants.
JigglePhysicsIRL
Thanks, captain obvious.
OneColdBloodedDickens
Snap
ObliviousLobster
I don't get it.
squarrel
Well played.
BlindyBlindMansSonnySon
hahaha are you both my brothers?
xFireFlyy
Ha, I like your username. It's cute~
rollercroaster
I like your username. My dad's been calling me Junebug since I can remember XD
xFireFlyy
Haha really? I'm just making a play on "Bah Humbug," since my birthday is exactly six months away from Christmas.
BlindyBlindMansSonnySon
thanks lol :)
ThoughtfulSatan
I am your bitch?
satanismybitch
Yes.
ThoughtfulSatan
Alright dear...
dayMan2
Congrats on the engagement sarah
DickWhiskers
Thanks!
AstralBeast808
Sarah got engaged? Or is that in reference to that rugby player post with the person who looks like Sarah from behind?
sarah
I did not get engaged, but I'm sure that lovely lady who got engaged to the rugby player would have appreciated everyone's well wishes :P
ashipthatshipsshippingships
In that case, congrats on other things, slugger.
woodwardja12
So... Sarah we've known each other since you started reading this. I think it's time to take it to the next level. Will you marry me?
sarah
I feel like we're moving too fast.
woodwardja12
Ouch! Well I went out swinging. Best I could do. I enjoyed our time together though. I'll never forget these few minutes.