Suffering in silence can be a very lonely existence. Suffering in silence is when none of the standard parenting methods work. It is about coping when no one is there to cheer you on. It is about redefining success. And unfortunately, it occurs far too often for families and parents of children with invisible disabilities like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

For the past 13 years, Laurie Jarvis and her family have known what it is like to suffer in silence. After travelling to Russia in 1997 and 1998 to adopt two beautiful baby boys, they found themselves on another journey, in search of help for one of their sons. This has left them desperately searching for answers, treatment and ultimately acceptance and a better understanding for parents of children with this invisible disability. They struggle with being shunned and blamed during tragedies, knowing that their child's fate was likely determined before he were born by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Today, Laurie uses her training in journalism to professionally speak, advocate and educate on behalf of individuals with FASD. She shares her very personal story and experience with her son, "Dennis", who on April 5, 2010 brought a loaded gun to Hastings Middle School and the impact that prevention education and a better understanding of the effects of FAS can have on helping to support and help families. Her goal is to eliminate the suffering in silence; to improve the knowledge and understanding of what causes the behaviors and how to humanely deal with it; and to ultimately help prevent FASD.

"When you are one of those families that doesn't have the "perfect Christmas letter", it can be really lonely and isolating. But as a mother, I will always love my son, and will not let FASD define who he is".
Laurie Jarvis, adoptive mom