Milosz and I had the honor of participating in the 27th Annual Family Café Conference, held June 13–15, 2025, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Orlando. As the nation’s largest statewide gathering for individuals with disabilities and their families, it was a heartwarming and empowering experience that reminded us how powerful community, advocacy, and inclusion truly are. The conference brought together over 10,000 attendees from across Florida and beyond, offering hundreds of breakout sessions, an expansive exhibit hall, and inclusive entertainment opportunities.

Booth Featuring "I Heard the Light" & Polish Edition "Przez labirynt autyzmu"

We were proud to host a booth (#16) where we shared my book, I Heard the Light: How a Mother’s Refusal to Accept “No” Empowered Her Son with Autism to Express Himself Through Music, alongside its Polish translation, Przez labirynt autyzmu.

Throughout the day, we connected with so many families, caregivers, and professionals who shared their own stories of perseverance, creativity, and hope. Milosz was a bundle of joy, handing out raffle tickets with a smile to everyone who stopped by. We raffled off a basket filled with healthy sweet snacks and a signed copy of the book—a small token of our gratitude for the support we received.

Friday Evening: Milosz’s Live Performance at the Hyatt Rotunda

A crowd gathered Friday evening at 6:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Rotunda for Milosz’s live performance, and what a moment it was!

Performing under the theme "Defying Autism with Music," Milosz poured his heart into every note, captivating the audience with the emotion, skill, and grace that has become his signature. Though he is minimally verbal, his music speaks volumes—and the Rotunda echoed with admiration and inspiration.

The energy in the room was incredible, and I was deeply moved to see so many people who had visited our booth earlier in the day come out to support Milosz.

Saturday Morning Book Reading

On Saturday morning, I had the incredible privilege of being the first author to read from my book at The Family Café.

Saturday Morning Presentation

Our presentation took place at 10:00 AM in Bayhill 33, titled:
"I Heard the Light: How a Mother's Refusal to Accept 'No' Empowered Her Son with Autism to Express Himself Through Music."

It was an emotional session filled with hope and shared understanding. Milosz joined me as a co-presenter, once again performing and showing everyone exactly why his story deserves to be heard—and felt.

We hope those who attended left with encouragement, insight, and the belief that with love, persistence, and the right opportunities, even the most difficult journeys can lead to unexpected beauty.