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Friends and families for Autism Research are
walking--all over the Country--to raise funds for NAAR, the National
Alliance for Autism Research.
This non-profit organization is committed to discovering
the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of Autism spectrum disorders.
Under the leadership of Vicky Topp, Doral Park's
Aerobics and Fitness Trainer, Team Doral is organizing to participate in
"WALK F.A.R. FOR NAAR," a program aimed at helping all those
afflicted by autism but also in particular Camila, an adorable member of
the Doral Community.
Not much is known about Autism--not what it is, nor
where it comes from, nor how to cure it.
Since there are no tests to find it, it must be
diagnosed by observing the child's behavior. This diagnosis is usually
reached around the child's second birthday, after families have gone
through months of anguish and frustration.
Although normal in appearance, children with autism are
unable to speak and communicate normally, relate to others, or
learn--all symptoms that are very difficult to detect at an early age.
As a part of participating in this monumental event,
Team Doral is raising the level of awareness about the alarming number
of children and families that have been touched by Autism. It has been
determined that one in every 500 children in the United States is coping
with this disorder, one that afflicts children of every racial, ethnic
and socio-economic background the world over.
Despite these numbers, there is very little work and
research on Autism, leaving families desperate for answers that nobody
has, answers to questions like: how is it related to genetics? To the
birth moment itself? To vaccines given to babies at the hospital? Are
babies born with it or is it acquired? Why isn't it detected in tests?
While they struggle in search of these answers and look
for ways to help their daughter, Camila's parents have risen to
extraordinary heights and discovered new dimensions to their strength,
patience and love.
Through hard work on the part of parents and child,
incredible effort, and tireless hours of intensive therapy, Camila is
making progress.
However, she needs to achieve much more. These children
need to learn enough to become self-sufficient and independent and that
may not be possible until more is understood about Autism and the brain.
The National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) was
founded by families like this one in Doral Park, families concerned
about the limited amount of biomedical research conducted into the study
of Autism spectrum disorders.
Under the auspices of their national honorary
chairpersons, Dan & Claire Marino, and hundreds of families and
professionals in the field, WALK F.A.R FOR NAAR has been gathering
thousands of people for walks throughout the country.
The Dade County walk is three miles long and will take
place on Saturday, November 4, at 8 AM at Key Biscayne's Crandon Park.
They are hoping to gather a large crowd, and the Doral Community is
going to be proudly represented by the group of wonderful people of all
ages who are joining Team Doral.
Everybody is invited to participate: families, children,
athletes and non-athletes are all welcome to join the team.
If you are unable to be there, you can also help by
pledging any amount of money that you can and send it to the address
below.
Businesses and individuals in the community are
encouraged to sponsor Team Doral, as they leave a lasting imprint as a
community that cares.
For information about joining or sponsoring Team Doral,
please contact Vicky Topp at 305 449 2188 (pager), Christine Winter at
305 436 5998, or Delia Arcelus at 305 716 8661
To send your tax-deductible contribution, please make
checks payable to National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and mail
it to: Delia Arcelus, 9860 NW 47 Terrace, Miami, Florida 33178.
For information about NAAR, please call 1 888 777 NAAR.
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