| HEAL! Foundation Newsletter |
May 2008 |
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THE PLAYERS Championship and TPC Sawgrass Present 
Valley of Dreams -June 26th and 27th
HEAL is preparing for the 2008 Valley of Dreams Gala and Bobby Weed/Pete Dye Charity Golf Classic. The event promises to be as special as last year's SOLD OUT event. This years Gala features special guests, Jenny McCarthy, actress, best- selling author, and mother of Evan who has recovered from autism, Patty Crosby, morning anchor on First Coast News, Brian Sexton, Voice of the Jaguars, Robert Weaver, AKA "Wingnut", a Hall of Fame surfer, and Joey Travolta, award winning filmmaker and brother to actor John Travolta.
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1ST. ANNUAL "RIDE WITH ME" In Memory of JESSICA GREEN
CYCLING EVENT ~ MEMORIAL DAY ~ Monday May 26, 2008
HEAL is sponsoring 20 families who have children with ASD to ride in memory of Jessica. Read Jessica's story.
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WHERE: Jacksonville - Baldwin Rail Trail 1804 Imeson Rd.Jacksonville, FL
- PRESENTED BY : LakeShore Bicycles and Fitness
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TO BENEFIT: IN THE FARM, Inc. , Programs and projects that will serve the needs of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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REGISTRATION FEE: $25.00 HELMETS REQUIRED
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Children under 10/ $5.00 registration with registered adult. Please click here to register. For questions call: LAKE SHORE BICYCLE AND FITNESS 384-7945
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VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FROM ALL CYCLES OF LIFE! |
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Rising Stars Baseball A Hit!
 Up to 20 kids were coached by Bob Culliton every Saturday since February 23rd at Cornerstone Park. Participants with mild physical limitations practiced and played as a team each week since February. The feedback from parents and kids was positive
"Grant loved playing baseball with Rising Stars. All of the kids with all different skill levels enjoyed a fun and competitive game. Rising Stars was Grant's best ever sports team experience. We're in for the next season! " Bart Walchle, HEAL Board member and father to Grant.
HEAL is proud to have been a sponsor of this spring program. Click here to tell us what programs you would like to see HEAL offer in the future. |
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 Project C.H.A.N.C.E. Inc. - Canines Helping Anyone Needing Courage & Empowerment
HEAL Sponsors two Autism Assistance Dogs, new litter of Golden Retriever puppies born March 17th. Children's lives will be forever changed through HEAL's partnership with "Project CHANCE" trained Service Dogs for children with autism.
Autism Assistance dogs are unique to the world of dogs helping people. By simply being there, a solid, sound and reassuring companion can help ease sensory overload, which is a common challenge for those with autism. With a dog by one's side, an autism assistance dog can help by giving them a focal point, or a way to ground their random, unceasing environmental experiences. Most children with autism have no concept of personal safety, and can wander outdoors and into traffic. Autism assistance dogs have a very special ability help with this. A child can be tethered from his/her harness to the dog's harness to prevent the child from bolting in public.
Special dog trainer BJ Szwedzinski in Nassau County will be training the dogs and overseeing the program.
Find out more information about Project CHANCE.
Read a local news story on Autism Assistance dogs and Project CHANCE. |
| Autism Insurance Legislation Passes in Florida
By Amy Collins, Mom to Amanda, age 8
 The fight for insurance coverage for autism in Florida continued until the final moments of the legislative session. On May 2, 2008, Senate Bill 2654 passed. The legislation requires insurance companies to cover up to $36,000 /yr. for Applied Behavior Analysis and other therapies for children under 18 with a lifetime maximum of $200,000. A health maintenance contract issued or renewed on/after April 1, 2009 shall provide coverage for autism or a statutory mandate will be imposed. Read the full text of the bill.
More work needs to be done for families suffering with autism, but it's a good start. Feel free to e-mail me with questions.
Note from HEAL: HEAL would like to recognize the local parents who worked tirelessly to make this bill a reality. Special thanks go to Amy Collins, Julie Delegal, Corrine Collins, Marie Quinones, Patty Crosby and many others who sent out numerous letters, petitions, and action alerts which motivated Florida Legislators to pass this important bill. |
HEAL Upcoming June Events
 HEAL Film Camp with Joey Travolta at UNF~ HEAL Film Camp takes place at UNF under the supervision of film maker Joey Travolta. Participants will write, direct, produce, and act, producing a documentary, June 16 - 27th. Nominations for film camp are still being accepted. Nomination forms must be filled out by a teacher or therapist in order to be accepted into the camp. Information and forms may be downloaded here.
 Special Day at the Beach / Surf Camp~ Two sessions offered, June 23 -24 and June 26-27 sponsored by HEAL, Sunrise Surf Shop, City of Jax Beach, and PV Rotary Club. Registrations are only accepted at the Jacksonville Beach Recreation Center at Sunshine Park. Registration closes May 31st. Read more.
Green Our Vaccines Rally~Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Lead the Call. Green our Vaccines will be the rally cry heard  from parents in our nation's capitol on June 4th. Leading the charge will be Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey. The intention of this rally is the removal of dangerous toxins from childhood vaccines and to reform the vaccine schedule. Families are encouraged to visit their representatives to weigh in on three important bills before Congress right now. Find out more information and register to attend the rally in Washington D. C . | |
Again, we would like to thank you for your continued interest and support. Please write to us at HEAL Foundation, 226-5 Solano Road, #211, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082 or at www.healautismnow.org.
Sincerely,
Leslie Weed and Julie Buckley MD
HEAL! Foundation CoFounders
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Disclaimer - HEAL provides general information regarding medical, research, treatment options, therapies and nutrition to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources, and HEAL does not independently verify any of it. Nothing in this newsletter or website / parent information should be construed as medical advice. Always consult your child's doctor regarding his or her individual needs.
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