Manuela's BIG WALK

Do any of you watch Parenthood? Well you should...it's an awesome show!

Max has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a type of high functioning Autism. With shows like this and other things, people are learning more about pervasive development disorders and educating family members, friends, and loved ones who may know a child with Autism.

Manuela,my sister, is participating in the WALK for AUTISIM. I really admire her work at the Children's Learning Center at Nova University where she works with Autistic kids while getting her Masters. I have only one Autistic kid in my Roosevelt CREST program and have gotten a tiny glimpse of the dedication, patience, and love that she and the other teachers have with these children and their families.

Check out her letter to friends and family:

To Friends and Family!!!

Please join me in my fight to make a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.

I am participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks to help change the future for all those affected byautism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 110 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 15 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults withautism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise money to help fund essential research. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism Speaks and/or join my team online using the links at the bottom of this page. Donations can also be mailed to AutismSpeaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to AutismSpeaks.

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.
Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938
Matching gift program: Many companies provide their employees with matching gifts. Please consult your employer on its matching gift guidelines and attach matching gift forms accordingly.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Autism Speaks

The walk in on Saturday April 9th, 2011. Please help my sister raise her goal of $100.

Extra Information:

Event Location:

The Sherman Library Green on Nova Southeastern University 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida Map link

Event Schedule:

Check in & Registration Begins 4/9/2011 8:30 am Walk Begins 4/9/2011 10:00 am

Fees:

Walker Registration: No Fees General Registration

Rewards:

T-Shirt ($150.00 + ) Each registered walker who raises a minimum of $150 will receive a 2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks t-shirt! Grand Club ($1,000.00 + ) This prestigious group of walkers have raised $1,000 or more for Walk Now for Autism Speaks this season. The program was created to give extra recognition and VIP treatment on Walk Day to these top walkers. Our goal is to double the number of Grand Club members in 2011. Want to join us? Start fundraising today! Rewards: VIP treatment - and extra recognition

Kelly's Big Race!

So it's kinda the IN thing now to run 1/2 marathons and triathalons and things like that.

Kelly Allegro...I forget that she has a new last name...hahaha, is preparing for a 1/2 Marathon in Napa Valley. Unlike me--just running it to improve my time, she is doing it for a GREAT CAUSE! Here is her letter to Family and Friends that i'd like to share with you, in case you don't get one in the mail....

Dear Family and Friends,

I’M RUNNING A HALF MARATHON!!!!!!

As many of you already know, the past two years has been quite a challenge bouncing from doctor to doctor trying to determine the cause of my ailments. After numerous medical exams, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in August of 2010. Through this exhaustive process I have created much empathy for those affected by this disease. Being the proactive person that I am, I have discovered Team Challenge.
During my involvement I learned of an upcoming event in which I am ecstatic to be a part of. I am currently training with Team Challenge to run the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon on July 17th. I feel honored to be involved with Team Challenge that will help raise funds and awareness for research leading to a cure for Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These two IB Diseases are painful attacks on the digestive system and as of today, are medically incurable. The cause of IBD remains unknown. However, the effectiveness of recently developed treatment methods and steady advances in research brings us closer every day to finding the cause and probable cure of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
My personal goal is to raise $4000 for Team Challenge which benefits the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. The CCFA has funded more than 1,100 grants allocated to research for IBD. More than 80% of every dollar I raise will directly fund the mission of CCFA, to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Being personally affected, I am dedicating my time to raise funds and awareness to this great cause, in efforts to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are also affected by IBD. I am hopeful that you will join me in the fight against Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. If you would like to help, you can mail me your contribution check, payable to CCFA, or by visiting my website and making your generous tax deductible donation to the CCFA in my honor.
Please make your donations before May 14th, 2011, my personal fundraising deadline. I thank you in advance for your generosity and most of all your support!

Love,

Kelly

So make sure you check out her website. Her personal goal for raising the $4,000 is MAY 14th,2011. That's in 5 1/2 weeks! Peter, Nico and I will be in Napa on July 17th to run alongside with Kelly and cheer her on! We can't wait. Good luck Kelly!