Thursday, August 2nd, 2007, we tragically lost one of our members.

Reid Thompson, an 11 year old boy from Thousand Oaks, passed away suddenly in his sleep. Many in the community knew Reid and have many special memories. He will be very missed by many, and will not be forgotten. He remains in our hearts.

The cause of his death is unknown as the autopsy results were all normal (with the exception of his brain being slightly heavier than normal which is typical with persons with autism).

Although the medical experts cannot provide a definitive cause of death, they hypothesize Reid could have passed from a massive seizure even though Reid's family said he didn't have any history of seizures.  (continued below)

Reid's parents requested VCAS communicate that they have done everything possible to get their many questions answered, and will continue to pursue understanding why their son passed not only for their own closure, but more importantly to help other families avoid a similar loss.

The day after Reid's Celebration of Life last August, the family along with VCAS leaders met with representatives from The Autism Tissue Program in an effort to learn something from Reid's loss in order to benefit other families in the future with knowledge gained from research. The Autism Tissue Program coordinates research of all types with scientists all over the world and in the study which Reid will be a pioneer, they are using tissue from Reid and cross-referencing with the families medical history along with Reid's academic, behavioral and social abilities. More information on The Autism Tissue Program and the research they are doing can be found at: www.MemoriesofHope.org and www.atpportal.org

Reid is also helping two other medical teams at the University of California Davis M.I.N.D. Institute as well as Harvard University which are also conducting similar studies.

Reid's family understands many parents in our community might have questions and/or concerns with his sudden and unexpected passing and welcome the opportunity to address your questions directly. Please email VCAS and we will forward your email request to them.

Brian & Kristin Thompson

or Chereen & Joshua Lopez: ca-venturacounty@autismsocietyofamerica.org

Please indicate whether you want Brian, Kristin, or Chereen to contact you.

On April 23, 2008, Brian and Kristin Thompson will be guest lectures at a graduate-level class at California State Univeristy Los Angeles where they plan on sharing their experiences as parents along with Dr. Jane Pickett from The Autism Tissue Program.  The family is also beginning work on a book which will relate the many joys of parenting Reid which will also include stories from those that knew him. If you would like to contribute your special memories, please forward to Brian and Kristin at the contact information above.

Reid's family also wanted to invite all VCAS members and supporters to join them at, "Walk Now for Autism” event on April 26, 2008 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in an effort to raise funds for Autism Speaks to help other families impacted by autism:

Team Reid Homepage:

http://www.walknowforautism.org/losangeles/team/teamreid?faf=1&elid=1554309532

(From this page, you can sign-up to walk on Team Reid, make a team donation or support a walker...)

General Event Information: 

http://www.walknowforautism.org/site/c.lhLXJ8PGKoG/b.3610231/


Shortly after his passing, Reid's family set up the Reid Brian Thompson Memorial fund where 100% of all contributions are donated to organizations dedicated to autism awareness and education. On October 11, 2007, Reid's family and friends presented Reid's former school, The H.E.L.P. Group in Sherman Oaks, with a check for $5,000 along with a tapestry painted by family and friends (thanks to Keri Bowers for organizing this beautiful work of art) which will hang at the school.  Brian and Kristin will continue to raise funds in Reid's honor through continuing to run marathons (they've completed 4 to date) as well as with other family and friends to help these and other organizations continue autism awareness and education.

In the event you'd like to donate to the Reid Brian Thompson Memorial Fund, contributions can be made at any Bank of America (Acct #0671860736).

 

In memorandum of Reid Thompson

A beautiful special child    

July 3, 1996 – August 2, 2007

See below for information on Reid’s memorial fund

Click here to learn more.