San Juan Grandma Successfully Rappels for Autism

Joan Priestly of San Juan Capistrano over the past weekend joined several other fundraising volunteers to rappel down the side of an 11-story building in Los Angeles to raise money and awareness about autism research.

She is involved in all sorts of causes to help find a cure and treatment for the disorder, and she said she's inspired by her grandson Liam Phillips, 12, of Costa Mesa, who suffers from it.

She raised more than $3,200 for the Autism Speaks charity.

The following is an account of her descent from Phillip Hain of Autism Speaks:

Priestley brought her own cheering section of a dozen friends and family, which included her husband Jim, her daughter Renee, another daughter Michelle Phillips, and her grandson, Liam Phillips.

The entire crowd started chanting, “Joan, Joan, Joan” as she descended the side of the hotel. 

Jim Priestley, who apparently has a sense of humor, was shouting, “Faster!” As she was nearing the end and still on the rope, Joan waved and posed as if she had done this many times before.

When Joan landed, she said, “I loved it. It was so much fun. I wasn’t even nervous—until after I was done!  I can’t wait to do it again. I have a girlfriend who wants to do it next time, and my son-in-law said he’s ready.”

Photos by Autism Speaks.