A Worthy Cause

On a daily basis it seems that I am reminded of how blessed I am to have wonderfully healthy children. Repeatedly, I read and hear of children with terminal or life threatening illnesses or severe developmental disabilities. I am always in awe of the parents of these children. It amazes me how much courage they have.

I have thought about how one person like me can help. Perhaps the easiest way is to raise awareness. In doing so, we open up doors so that more and more people are aware and perhaps will support research to find a cure or treatment.

Today, my friend Sandy, who has an autistic son, forwarded me an email (see below). I hope you will take a minute to watch the video. I know it will move you, like it did me.

FIGHT FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN TODAY!

The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for *each time* this video, (click link below) is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure.

In case you are interested about learning more, here are a few facts that I got from the Autism Speaks website.

More about Autism.............
According to the website, AutismSpeaks.org , autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Facts about Autism

Did you know…

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Incidence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding: $15 million

If you would like to know more about this disability or how you can make a difference, visit any of the following websites.

http://unlockingautism.org/

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/