PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: May 19, 2006

Contact: Rita Shreffler, NAA (Nixa, MO) 417-818-9030 Wendy Fournier, NAA (Portsmouth, RI) 401-632-7523

BOSTON “ONE IN 166” WALK RAISES THOUSANDS FOR AUTISM RESEARCH AND FAMILY CARE

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS HELP BOOST FUNDS FOR CRUCIAL STUDY

Boston, MA – On a chilly, but bright Saturday morning, hoards of parents, caregivers, and friends gathered in Boston for a National Autism Association fundraising walk dubbed “One in 166” to represent the number of children now diagnosed with autism.

The event was successful in raising awareness and $17,000 for autism research funds. Jean Whelan, local parent of a child with autism, was the lead coordinator of the event. “It was a great turnout with so many folks committed to helping end the autism epidemic,” says Whelan. “We’re so grateful to all that attended, and plan to make this an annual event.” 

A majority of the funds raised will go to a crucial study headed up by Dr. Thomas Burbacher, a lead investigator into the effects of ethylmercury thimerosal in brain tissue. Funds will also go to NAA’s Helping Hand program that provides financial aid to families affected by autism.

Wendy Fournier, parent and President of The National Autism Association, attended the event. “It was a wonderful experience to unite with so many parents dedicated to fighting for our children,” says Fournier. “With Jean’s lead, we already have other parents interested in hosting the ‘One in 166’ walk around other parts of the country.”

The National Autism Association has been an active leader in the fight to uncover the effects of ethylmercury thimerosal, a preservative routinely used in vaccines and other health-related consumer products.  Their aim is to expose the issue on a political level so that government policies might be changed to insist on safer alternatives, and to educate our nation on the effects this preservative has had on a whole generation so that future generations will not suffer.

“Parents like Jean, and so many others, make it possible for NAA to keep fighting. The funds raised are needed for crucial, pivotal studies that will help us understand the biological effects of ethylmercury thimerosal on its unwitting recipients,” says Fournier. “We won’t stop until we have all the research we need to help an entire generation get the basic human dignities they rightfully deserve.”

The National Autism Association is a nonprofit, parent-run organization, recognized for its vast knowledge of resources for families affected by autism spectrum disorders.  NAA funds practical benefit programs to help those in need.  If you have a newly diagnosed child, or know someone who does, please visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/psa.php. If you are interested in hosting a walk in your area, please write naa@nationalautism.org.

-30-
 

Think Autism. Think Cure.  ^TM