Lesley Saam welcomed dozens of community members to Walsh Park in Fremont for a celebration. The gathering ensured her son did not feel disappointed on his special day.
Saam said several invited guests could not make it to the sixth birthday party. She worried her son might feel left out.
“I didn’t want my son to feel left out or feel ashamed or disappointed within himself in any shape way or form with it,” Saam said.
Her son has level two autism and is nonverbal, according to Saam. He looks forward to getting a communication device soon to help express himself.
Saam spoke with a friend on the phone about the situation. She then posted about the gathering on a local Fremont Facebook page.
“I was talking to one of my friends on the phone about it and she was like, ‘You know what, I would make a post about it,’” Saam said.
Residents responded quickly to the call. About 70 people arrived at the park, including members of the local fire department.
“Within 15 minutes, three people showed up,” Saam said.
The large turnout meant a great deal to the family. It offered encouragement to the mother.
“It gave me a lot more hope in humanity. There’s just a lot of sadness and stuff going on in the world today, and to know that there’s still love and support,” Saam said.
City parks like Walsh Park in Fremont provide public outdoor spaces for family gatherings and recreational events. Local residents frequently use these neighborhood grounds to host social activities.
Saam said her son was happy and loved the party. He enjoyed the presents, especially a new dumpling toy, and shared a thank-you with guests.
