Sweet Pea Foundation

About the Sweet Pea Foundation

Don and Elizabeth Munson personally know the demands and struggles of raising a child with “Special Needs”. When their daughter Michelle was born in August of 1991, there was much joy in the hearts of the first-time parents. By the seventh hour of Michelle’s life that joyous feeling had turned to one of concern as Michelle was moved into the Neonatal Care Unit and before her first 24 hours on this earth a diagnosis of Congenital Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy was given. It would be two weeks before Michelle would be released from hospital care and head home. Already she was receiving physical therapy. Already questions were flooding in regarding her future. Already plans were being made for Michelle to receive the care she would need to thrive at a level most thought she would never achieve. Physical therapy and Occupational therapy became a way of life for Michelle, and she showed a fighting spirit to take on the obstacles in her way.

At the age of four, while in a preschool, a teacher noticed some questionable social delays and suggested Michelle be screened for autism. The results of testing brought a positive diagnosis. Michelle at that point became one of just a very small handful of children in the entire world to be confirmed to be smitten by both MD and autism. The news, as you would expect, was very difficult to hear. Nevertheless, it strengthened the desire of the Munson household to find a way to make Michelle’s life the best it could be. Michelle had already learned to walk when nobody say she could. Now the quest was on to see what could be drawn out of an autistic clouded mind. Just like therapy had helped the physical aspect of Michelle’s life, so too would intensive therapy help the mental.

Now a young adult in her 30’s, Michelle is living a joyous life. Yes, she is still receiving various therapies for both MD and autism each week. All of this has helped her learn to read, write, and become quite good with numbers. She is able to communicate her thoughts, feelings and needs. She enjoys getting out in the community and taking trips with the family. It is the experience of all this that have caused Don and Elizabeth Munson to establish “The Sweet Pea Foundation” with the goal to help others with “Special Needs” to enjoy life to the fullest.

Our Board of Directors

Don Munson - President

You probably know Don as the play-by-play voice of the Clemson Tigers. He enters his 31 st year covering Clemson Athletics in the fall of 2024. More importantly he is a loving father and husband having been married to his wife Elizabeth for 40 years (dating her for 45!). He has had the joy of being father to Michelle, Sweet Pea, for 33 years.

Elizabeth Munson - Vice President

Elizabeth is a native of Hendersonville, NC and wife to Don for 40 years and mom to Michelle, Sweet Pea, for 33. Elizabeth has been described as a “Tigress” when it comes to providing the best care possible for Michelle. Elizabeth became a certified Autism Therapist in the mid 1990’s and for 15 years worked in this field being named as the South Carolina Autism Society Therapist of the Year in 2002.

Moneka Williams - Vice President

Moneka Williams is a native of Southern California but has called the Upstate of South Carolina home for over the last 20 years. She attended Austin Peay State and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2012. In 2015 she earned her Physical Therapy Assistant degree and has since worked with clients of all ages and disabilities. Moneka is most importantly a mother to wonderful child with “Special Needs”. Moneka has a deep passion for helping everyone no matter ability or social standing.

About Us

Don Munson - President

Elizabeth Munson - Vice President

Moneka Williams - Vice President

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