Variety, the children’s charity of Buffalo & WNY is thrilled to introduce the Celebrity Child for The 65th Annual Variety Kids Telethon…Autumn Kisiel!
A bright smile, a joyful spirit, and a love for life’s simple pleasures—meet Autumn Kisiel, the 2027 Variety Kids Telethon Celebrity Child!
As we celebrate “65 Sweet Years of Helping Kids,” we are honored to introduce this adorable little girl and share her family’s journey.
During Rachel’s pregnancy, the Kisiel family was living in Japan, where Autumn’s father, Tom, a Senior Chief in the United States Navy, was stationed. At 20 weeks pregnant, Autumn’s mother, Rachel, began experiencing complications, and Autumn was trying to make an early debut into the world.
The military doctors and Japanese doctors agreed it would be best for Rachel to return to the States so she and Autumn could receive the appropriate medical care and support.
Autumn Jane Kisiel was born at 34 weeks on June 11, 2021, despite earlier predictions that she would arrive by 24 weeks. She was born at Mercy Hospital, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce.
In October 2021, Autumn stayed overnight in the hospital to be monitored for possible seizures and was subsequently diagnosed with GERD. That December, Autumn began experiencing digestive issues. A pediatric gastroenterologist determined that she had a milk allergy and would need a specific prescription formula.
In early summer 2022, the family noticed that Autumn wasn’t responding when her name was called or reacting to loud noises as other children did. A hearing test with a pediatric ENT indicated hearing loss.
After the family moved to California later that summer, another ENT evaluation produced different results. The family was then referred to a child psychologist to explore the possibility of autism.
Autumn was officially diagnosed with autism and a speech delay that fall. Although she is nonverbal, Autumn expresses herself in so many other ways.
Autumn is currently in kindergarten and lives with her mom, Rachel; dad, Tom; brother, Travis; and sister, Lucy. She loves Play-Doh, swimming, riding her quad, and orange popsicles. She also enjoys playing Roblox and jumping on the trampoline with her big sister, Lucy. Autumn is the biggest sweetheart, and her joy radiates to those around her.
Variety is honored to welcome Autumn and her loving family to the 65th Annual Variety Kids Telethon!
The 2027 Telethon will air Saturday, March 6, from 6–11 p.m. on WGRZ, Channel 2, and Sunday, March 7, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on WBBZ, Channel 5, with online streaming also available.
We hope you will tune in and learn more about sweet, Autumn!
Please kindly consider making a donation to the Variety Kids Telethon, today!
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