A Note from Derek

I live in Dana Point.
I like to cook dinner at my condo. I like painting and pottery.
I like coloring books with my nieces, Avery and Blair.
I like going to the movie theatre with Kendall.
I like going out to dinner at Coyote Grille with my family.
I love to play music on my phone. My favorite song right now is “All For You” by Sister Hazel.
I love to watch movies.
I miss Donna and Hank when they are in Costa Rica! I love you sweetheart - to Donna! I love you too buddy - to Hank!
I like being independent.
I like to help people.
Do you want to help people be independent?
Do you want to make waves?
I hope you have a wonderful day! I hope to see you again soon!
Love, Derek Roth

Thoughts From Kristyn

Yesterday, I sat down with Derek to ask him some questions about living independently:
What do you like? What’s challenging? Are you lonely? Do you need more help?
I gave him yes/no/sometimes/both options, and multiple choice answers. We took notes, and then I suggested we put it all together. He told me he wanted to type it all out by himself.
It is striking how those core pillars - family, hobbies, independence, and community - are truly the great equalizers of the human experience.
When you strip away the labels, everyone is essentially looking for the same thing: a sense of belonging and connection. There is a certain elegance in that simplicity. It reframes the conversation from "how do we support this specific person?" to "how do we help this person achieve the universal things we all want?"
Throughout our discussion, he shared that he liked his routine, enjoyed working at a grocery store, and that he wanted the chance to do more activities. He loves where he lives, and being able to run, swim, clean, and watch his favorite movies. He loves the freedom to choose what makes him happy.

For years, Make Waves Family Foundation has supported Autism Society Inland Empire and its programs that allow Autistic adults to live fully. As a leader in their community, Executive Director, Beth Burt, and her team tackle life’s hardest challenges like, employment, first responder training, safety programming, complex healthcare needs, and more. By collaborating with disability councils, regional centers, like-minded non-profits, first responder organizations, state politics, and more, they are tackling systems to create better opportunities for everyone in the Autism community; from those who are struggling with food insecurity among immigrant communities, to others with financial means and broader stability.
Make Waves is proud to triple match any gift during April, so that we can continue to support these life-changing programs. These changes don’t happen overnight, they rely on patience, persistence, and compassion to truly break down systemic barriers. We know that the Autism Society Inland Empire is the right partner to lead the charge. 

(Image: Roth family with Dr. Margaret Bauman, center, and Beth Burt, far right, from Autism Society Inland Empire.)

A Note from Our President: Reflections on Resilience and Our Path Forward

It feels incredibly fitting to share my first update as President of Make Waves Family Foundation during Women’s History Month. Over these first few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on how gender equity and disability advocacy have always been intertwined in my personal and professional endeavors.

Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to examine these efforts at a higher level, and I find myself looking at our mission through a very personal lens.

The Power of Being Heard

During my second pregnancy, I suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)—a condition that goes far beyond "morning sickness." It left me deeply isolated, emotionally drained, and physically depleted for nine months. Two and a half years after the healthy birth of my bold, beautiful daughter, my medical journey continues. Even now, I still find myself fighting to be heard in a system that too often diminishes women’s symptoms and experiences.

This experience has sparked a fundamental question for me:

If I find navigating this system difficult as a person with deep knowledge of this space, what is it like for those facing complex disabilities and systemic disadvantages?

Beyond the Surface: The Full Scale of Make Waves

This question is at the heart of our continued work. For almost twenty years, Make Waves has been known for our deep impact in the Autism community. This includes federal and regional support for issues across the lifespan from:

• Education & Advocacy

• Safety and First Responder Training

• Employment

• Housing & Independent Living

What many don’t see is that we’ve also been quietly funding critical work across several vital sectors:

• Women’s Health: Supporting vital research and care across the female experience, including maternal and postpartum support, mental health, and chronic conditions that disproportunately affect women.

  Education: Expanding access through scholarships and initiatives to strengthen therapeutic staff, and build inclusive classrooms.

• Humanitarian Aid: Providing rapid response to global crises, from the pandemic and the Palisades Fire to famine in war zones.

As we enter a new strategic planning phase, we aren't just looking back at our impact - we are looking at our gaps. We are asking ourselves: How can our voice finally match the full scale of our mission?

Bridging the Intersections

We are currently exploring ways to more intentionally bridge the intersections of disability advocacy, women’s health, and crisis response. It is an evolving conversation. While we don’t have all the answers yet, the goal is clear: a future where the most vulnerable among us are no longer dismissed or ignored. We are striving for a world where "resilience" isn't just a requirement for survival, but a foundation for thriving.

Celebrating Our Shared Strength

For Women’s History Month, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the women in your life who lead with resilience. It is because of their strength that we stand at this pivotal moment, imagining a world where every woman is listened to, empowered, and given the opportunity to make waves.

I look forward to sharing more with you as this vision takes shape. We truly appreciate the support you’ve given us over the years.

With Gratitude,

Kristyn Roth President, Make Waves Family Foundation