2008 was a great year for the Dickinson family, Dennis and Ally welcomed their first baby and life in its fullest was just getting started. Being parents was something both of them knew they wanted and it was a dream come true. Two years into their parenting bliss it became clear Cameron wasn’t developing like his peers. After many doctors visits, Cam was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Ally and Dennis jumped head first into the special education world to get their son the best help they could. Very early on in their special educational journey they met some more than amazing people, teachers, therapists, and aids who quickly became like a second family. One early summer night the idea of paying it forward to the ones who gave their son so much came to mind and in August of 2013 the Understanding Cam Foundation was born. To date the foundation has raised and donated over $250,000 to local schools and community programs supporting individuals and their families effected by autism.