Isaiah was born on November 26th, 1999. Isaiah was a sweet and happy baby. He developed just like any other baby - reaching all of his milestones at the appropriate time. He even began to speak at around 12 months. But by 18 months he started to change, he lost his ablitiy to speak. He would not respond at times as if he did not hear you. He was still very loving and playful, he just didn’t speak.

Isaiah had a hearing exam which came back normal. He even began speech therapy, which was unsuccessful once demands were placed on him. Finally after a complete evaluation Isaiah was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. Immediately after starting Applied Behavioral Analysis we saw a huge change in Isaiah. It was like night and day. He was still the same happy child who loved to play, loved Elmo, and loved to eat pizza backwards (and he still does), but he was able to interact with us more successfully. Now five years later Isaiah is reading, writing, and doing math. He loves Buzz Lightyear, playing outside, and he loves listening to music on the computer. Isaiah is the most loving, playful, and affectionate child you could ever want. He just turned ten years old and is currently attending Masera Learning Center. Island Slowpitch has worked hard to raise money to help the Masera Learning Center build a safe playground for their students. Through tournaments, fundraisers such as our annual "Knock Autism Out of the Park" homerun derby, and generous donations we have raised $16,125.00! This made the dream playground a reality and ground was broken in 2007 with the opening of the playground occurring in 2008. Last year we held two tournaments to benefit Autism Foundations and held the Homerun Derby. If you would like to give a donation to an Autism Foundation, please contact Mike at Mike1@islandslowpitch.com

In the News... Play Ball for Autism Posted February 2, 2007 The dream playground for the Masera Learning Center is on its way to becoming a reality. Knocked Autism Out of the Park for a Playground Dedicated May, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Pictured are (left to right) ESBOCES Division Administrator for Special Education Diane Zuchelli, ESBOCES Assoc. Superintendents Dr. Julie Davis Lutz and Barbara Salatto, Mr. Alicea with his son, Isaiah, Masera Vice Principal and Principal Nicole Drinkwater and Margo Ude respectively, Suffolk County Treasurer Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron, State Assemblyman Andrew Raia, and Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan. Links to view evnt Knocked Out of the ParkThe Beacon- Dedication Day The Beacon- Dedication News 12 See the video... News 12 - Mike Alicea on News 12 giving a check for $10,000.00 for the  Playground Fund to the Masera Learning Center. See the video... -Last year Mike raised $6,000.00 and an additional $250.00 this year making it a grand total of $16,250.00. See the video... October 2007 IslandSlowPitch raised $8,895 and Team Joker pictured above, donated an additional $1,105.

The Masera Learning Center Playground