How This Works

Hi my name is Bryce. I am an eigth grader at Columbia Middle School. Zach is one of the most heart-warming, happiest kid you will ever meet. This winter, The Columbia Middle School basketball team had an annuall faculty basketball game. The staff of CMS vs. the basketball players. Zach was offered to start. This was Zach's first game ever to play in an organized sport. Not that he didnt want to, Zach was always turned down when he wanted to. Before the game started, I wanted to play the whole game and never sit the bench. I have to admit, i wanted to be the main guy. But when I saw the glare in Zach's eyes and the nervousness that he showed just to be out there and hear the chanting of the crowd, I didnt care anymore. I wanted him to score every single time when went up the court. Zach was absolutely thrilled to be out on the court. Zach would run by me asking me for the ball. I would hand it off to him. Zach would dribble down the court like he will never touch a basketball again. Zach scored! Every single person in the crown started pumping their fists and screaming. All I remember was Zach pointing his fingers up in the air and screaming with so much excitement. That very moment made me realize that Zach is the most heart-warming person you would ever want to be around. He wanted to be out on that court 10 times more than anyone else did in that gym. But, Zach wasnt out there to be the star player. Zach was out there just to touch the ball and show his love for the game. I hope someday when i am older to see Zach Dailey on Sportscenter for scoring a game high at a high school basketball game. Zach has changed me as a person. Thank you Zach.
posted by Bryce on 5/07/07 8:06: PM

My name is Robby Likens..I am currently an eighth grader at Zach's school. this past fall Zach was the manager for our basketball team. Every single day i would see how excited he got every time he got to step on that court. That to me is something that people take for granted. At the end of the season we had a staff versus players basketball game and Zach started. He got the ball and scored the first point. The smile on his face and the happiness in his eyes is something that will stay with me forever. He has truly changed my perception of life, and I will never forget him.
posted by Robby Likens on 5/07/07 7:28: PM

I am Zachary's aide at CMS. It has been such a growing experience to work with Zach. He truly is a special young man. He is funny, kind, honest, and genuine. This year has been so rewarding to see Zach being reached out to by so many students at CMS. They have always been great with each other, but I have seen a sincere acceptance and caring for Zach and that has been so touching. Sometimes I do not think people realize how much more we receive back from Zach than what we give to him. I believe much of the credit to who Zach is, is definetly a reflection of his strong family support, especially his Mom. Kim has so elequently given all of us an insight to their relationship through her writings and this video. Although it brought tears to me after watching, it was because Zach holds such a special place in my heart. I think Zach will continue to touch many lives in the future, how can he not with that smile of his.
posted by Tana on 5/07/07 6:36: PM

hey, this is becca and lynsey. we've known zach since kindergarten and he's been such and inspiration to us. he rocks! zach is very smart with stats and knows how to rock a crowd and start the wave in our gym! we all love you zach!
posted by Becca and Lynsey on 5/07/07 3:10: PM

Zach is a very lucky boy to have such a wonderful family, just as this video has shown us how lucky they are to have him. I wish you all best and God's blessings.
posted by Cathy on 5/06/07 7:05: PM

posted by Wilson on 5/06/07 6:46: PM

HI JANET MOLINAROLO A FRIEND OF YOUS AND A COUISIN BY MARRIAGE SENT ME A VIEDO OF YOU SON. WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE FOR THIS YOUNG BOY.. I WORK WITH AUTISM CHILDREN AN D THEY BRING SUCH JOY TO ME.WHEN I GET A CHILD TO TELL ME I LOVE YOU MS FRANCES IT ERASES ALL THE THE TIME WHEN I CANT GET A RESPONSE FROM A CHILD THAT IAM WORKING WITH1111111
posted by fFRANCES BERTINO on 5/06/07 10:21: AM

HI JANET MOLINAROLO A FRIEND OF YOUS AND A COUISIN BY MARRIAGE SENT ME A VIEDO OF YOU SON. WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE FOR THIS YOUNG BOY.. I WORK WITH AUTISM CHILDREN AN D THEY BRING SUCH JOY TO ME.WHEN I GET A CHILD TO TELL ME I LOVE YOU MS FRANCES IT ERASES ALL THE THE TIME WHEN I CANT GET A RESPONSE FROM A CHILD THAT IAM WORKING WITH1111111
posted by fFRANCES BERTINO on 5/06/07 10:21: AM

Zach has been my manager for basketball and track for the following year at Columbia Middle School. He has given us blessings beyond what we could ever imagine. I love Zach with all my heart and thank God everyday that he brought Zach into my life. Zach has been blessed by wonderful parents in Kim and Mike. God bless all of you.
posted by Coach Wehrenberg on 5/06/07 9:41: AM

Kim you are such an inspiration!!! I am a father of a 5 year old son Kolby who has Autism. I only hope that I can do as well for Kolby as you and your family have done for Zach.
posted by Kris on 5/05/07 8:10: AM

what a beautiful tribute, to a beautiful son and mother. may the Good Lord CONTINUE to bless you both and all who share your life. the love and devotion you share will change this world.
posted by aunt odie on 5/05/07 3:44: AM

Mrs. Dailey! It is so clear to see how much you love your son. You have done so much for him and so much to educate others about what you are going through. I will miss not seeing you in class everyday! Good Luck to you and best of luck to Zach! Your video was so insperational!!
posted by Brittany Schicker on 5/04/07 7:49: PM

I`m one of Mrs. Dailey`s students, but I had no idea her son was autistic until my English teacher showed me this video. My new little cousin is autistic, and I`d love to see the kind of world she wants, not just for my cousin, but for Zach as well. Take it from me -- Mrs. Dailey`s a sweet person who deserves it.
posted by Jackie on 5/04/07 4:49: PM

Isn't it incredible how God blesses us in so many ways! Ways we don't understand at first but come to know as we live our lives. Thanks, Zach, for being a blessing to me today!
posted by Jan on 5/04/07 2:05: PM

Lucky for me, I know the child in this story first hand. I am Zach's science teacher. Zach has such a big smile every time I see him, and he is always ready to give a "Hi-5!" I am gonna miss him when he becomes a big 7th grader.
posted by Andria on 5/04/07 2:04: PM

A fantastic life showing support for children of by family and community can do wonderful things in the development of children in all areas.
posted by Carol Van Rheeden on 5/04/07 7:50: AM

i watch this video for the first time in my english class and ever since then i loved it and even though i do not have any kids my heart goes out to the familys who have autistic kids and have to deal with people stares and the comments they make about your child. GOD BLESS YOU ALL :)
posted by Theresa on 5/04/07 7:33: AM

WOW! That was awesome! Thank God for Zach and the difference he has made and will continue to make in the lives of many people. People he does not even know - like me! May God continue to give you strength and wisdom as care for your son and may you continue to be blessed by him. Cindy Malin
posted by Cindy Malin on 5/04/07 5:28: AM

WOW!!! Kim, you really have raised a son that you can be so proud of! You really have made a difference in Zach's life, and through that your love is shown to all of us! I don't think that anyone could watch that and still have dry eyes! Thank you for the opportunity you've given me to get to know you and your family! I love you ALL so much! God is using you in so many ways, even in my life!
posted by Kelly MacLagan on 5/04/07 12:59: AM

Hi Kim, I know what you are going through. There is alot of stares and whispers when I go out dining or shopping with my son. Frankly, I am sick of it. People are so quickly to judge and they have know idea what we've been through. Sometimes I leave a place depressed, trying to hide my feeling always, but my son notices, and he comments everytime to me, "Mom, why are you so sad, I can tell something is wrong." Thats a miracle moment, my son sees and feels something I'm trying to protect him from. What a smart boy I think, he loves me and I love him. I have a great kid. I appreciate your video, You have a lovely family, Thanks
posted by Marie on 5/03/07 9:02: PM