Contact Information:
Lisa Ackerman
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)
PO Box 12409
Newport Beach, CA 92658-2409
-- MEDIA ADVISORY --
2nd Annual TACA Autism Family Picnic
IRVINE, CA (May 16, 2005) Talk About Curing Autism’s 2 nd annual Autism Family Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Camp James in Irvine . An estimated 750 people from across Southern California are expected to participate in this family event to raise funds for autism services. The event has been sponsored by: Oakley, Bruce Bothwell, Attorney-at-Law, The Listening Center, Speech & Language, Beacon Autism School, and Cure Autism Now.
Autism is a devastating neurological disorder that typically affects children between the ages of 18 months and five years of age. Currently, eight children are diagnosed in California each day. Autism affects one in every 166 children born today. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which each individual being affected at different levels of severity. Some people with autism are severely affected, cannot speak, require constant one-on-one care, and are never able to live independently. Others have less severe symptoms can communicate and will acquire the necessary skills to live on their own.
Cost to attend the picnic is $15 per adult, $10 per child. To register or make a donation, contact TACA or call (949) 640-4401. Activities include: In-n-Out burger trailer, gluten-free and casein free barbeque, extra large bounce house, bubble machines, Jungle-rama, Mist Machine, Miniature Golf and carnival rides. Most importantly, families affected by autism will be able to enjoy a fun-filled day in a family-oriented environment with their children and friends.
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I had Christian when I was 19 years old. For the first year of his life I couldn’t imagine anything being wrong with my baby. He smiled; he laughed; he rolled, crawled and walked on time. At age one he had a massive overload for his little immune system. He had two ear infections, a high fever, back to back treatment of major antibiotics and he was given his MMR, varicella and HIB vaccines while he was still very sick. Christian faded away for the next 6 months.
At age two he was diagnosed with full syndrome Autism. I met an amazing mother who introduced me to the group Talk About Curing Autism. Before I found out about TACA, I had no clue that there was hope for my child. From that day on I knew that it was my job to get my son back and undue what had been done to him.
It has been three years since Christian was diagnosed with Autism. I had taken what I had learned from TACA, found wonderful therapists, began a diet, found a DAN! Doctor, and took control of my child’s health. I heard his first word when he was 38 months old, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Today Christian attends a typical private preschool. He is the only child in the class with a diagnosis…and none of the other parents know that. He speaks clearly, has friends, reads, pretends on the playground and even knows what he wants to be when he grows up (which of course changes weekly).
I can honestly say, if I had not found that mom (you know who you are), and not been introduced to TACA, I don’t know where Christian would be today and I don’t know if I would ever have been able to help other parents starting this journey. Thank you TACA, thank you my hero mom, and thank you Christian for fighting this with me. I love you.
Chelsi, Washington State
