When Malinda Jackson decided to run for homecoming queen last year, she didn't just have her sights set on the crown. She also decided she would be doing some good with her bid for royalty - all for her brother.
Malinda is now a senior at Hickman High School, where candidates running for homecoming royalty choose a charity to raise money for during their race. For Malinda, the choice was easy. She decided to raise funds for Easterseals Midwest, which she said has been a huge part of growing up with her brother. Malinda fundraised in school and online, raising a total of over $5,000 for the disability services provided by Easterseals.
Malinda was born just 18 months after her older brother, Thomas. As the two grew up together, Malinda started hitting milestones her brother hadn't yet. At age three, Thomas was diagnosed with autism.
"I came along, and I started talking," Malinda said.
Thomas wasn't talking yet, so I think that was the first sign that something wasn't quite how it should be."
After his diagnosis, Malinda's family found Easterseals, where Thomas started receiving therapy services and supports throughout his childhood. But Thomas wasn't the only one participating in Easterseals' activities. Easterseals aims to provide services to entire families. From parent training, where parents learn about their child's diagnosis and how best to help them succeed, to sibling support groups, where brothers and sisters meet other kids with a unique perspective on what growing up with a sibling with a disability is like. With Malinda and her brother so close in age, she was often along for the ride.
"I remember going to Easterseals with him all the time," Malinda said.
"Because I was just one year younger than him, I was always around. I remember just seeing all these people who helped guide him and help him. It was really special."
Malinda says those special people have been around for as long as she can remember. It's this community that her family has been welcomed into.
"We've gotten to know a lot of people in the special needs community and people with autism. That's where a lot of our friends come from," Malinda said. "A lot of our family friends have come from Easterseals and his therapists. Growing up, his therapists would come to our house, and they were like our big sisters. It's just a big community."
It was for this community that Malinda wanted to raise money. During her homecoming bid, Malidna campaigned for Easterseals and the crown in school. There, she raised more than $1,000. But she wanted to do more. So she took her campaign online with Easterseals' fundraising tool - JustGiving.
"JustGiving made it really easy," Malinda said. "I set up my fundraiser completely online. I didn't have to worry about any type of percentage being taken out. I got to give back every bit I raised."
Malinda's campaign took off online, raising more than $5,000. The icing on the cake? She was also crowned homecoming queen.
Easterseals Midwest has given so much to my brother and my family. That's why I wanted to take my opportunity to give back to this amazing and hardworking organization. I have no clue what my brother or family would do without them!
Thomas, who is now 20, still receives services from Easterseals. He most recently learned employment skills and began a job thanks to Easterseals employment services. Thomas also recently got his driver's license. Malinda says her brother loves cars, and the pair love to drive around and listen to music together.
"He's so silly. He is one of the sweetest, most genuine guys," Malinda said. "I just think he's the best brother. I'd never change it."
When asked what Malinda wants others to know about having a brother with autism, the answer was simple.
"It's not a bad thing at all. People think that my brother makes my life harder or a struggle because I help take care of him. It's so enjoyable," she said with a laugh. "It's just like having a 'regular' sibling, but my sibling is better than everyone else's."
