HEAL and Project Autism Host Holiday Family Event

On December 12 from 10 AM to Noon, join your friends at HEAL and Project Autism for holiday family fun at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. The Winter Wonderland is the perfect holiday diversion for young and old alike; it offers Floridians a rare chance to experience the best features of a cold winter season. Combined with the spectacular holiday Nights of Lights going on in St. Augustine, a trip to Winter Wonderland is sure to create the perfect setting for lasting holiday memories for the entire family.

The Amphitheater is transformed into a fantasy holiday wonderland. The Winter Wonderland has an outdoor ice skating rink, an interactive elf village, Candy Cane Forest, holiday shopping, sleigh rides, Reindeer Games and of course, visits from Santa.

For $10 entry, this special event includes Ice skating, 2 slides down the ice slide for children tall enough, rides on the train and meeting Santa. Wonderland will open early Dec 12 at 10AM for families who have a member with autism.

For more information, please visit the Winter Wonderland Website (http://www.winterwonderlandflorida.com) 

“Healing Our Autistic Children” – New Book By Julie Buckley MD

Co-Founder of the HEAL Foundation, Pediatrician and parent of a child with Autism, Julie Buckley has written a book “Healing Our Autistic Children”  A medical Plan for Restoring your Childs health.

 Part personal story of her battle to heal her autistic daughter, part guide for parents, Healing Our Autistic Children explains simply and accessibly the new treatments and diets that have already proven effective for many families. Told through the case studies of her patients, the book is divided into four typical visits to Dr. Buckley’s pediatric practice so that parents can see the progression of initial treatment
 
Just in time for a book tour, there is good news on Dr. Buckley's breast cancer front!  She's finished the chemo, and had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction.  Julie appreciated the tremendous community of folks around the world praying for her.   She has had wonderful success- and is now cancer free! Julie sends grateful thanks for the help from the praying team.  She spoke at the National Autism Conference November 13th, and is starting slowly back to work.  It will be a truly Thankful Thanksgiving, and a Joyous Christmas this year.

Amy and Howard Groshell start Barefoot Charities-Art for Autism

By Amy Groshell

Art transcends behavioral, emotional, developmental and physical differences. For persons living with autism, art is an especially valuable tool that gives others insight into their world. It also provides a medium by which they are not limited by their lack of expressive or functional language or hindered by their social intellect.

Our daughter, Gentry, started her passion for art by painting non-interrupted blocks of color. It soon became evident that she possesses a magical use of color that communicates many emotions. Art provides children, like Gentry, an avenue where her shattered sensory system can integrate and focus. I have seen amazing improvements in Gentry’s ability to focus when painting. There are moments when I watch her paint with such intention that the autism disappears.

My husband, Howard, and I founded Barefoot Charities as a venue to display and sell art from Gentry’s collection and from our collection of international children’s art. It is our hope that the number of artists with autism wishing to display their works on our website will continue to grow. Through Barefoot Charities, your generous support will enable HEAL! to fund art programs for those with autism in our community.

www.barefootcharities.org

The Cookie Momsters Inc. open a Bakery

If there's ever a time where you'd rather pick up ready made cookies, breads, muffins, cupckes and all kinds of treats, the Cookie Momsters are thrilled to announce that the doors will be open to the public as a Gluten and Casein Free Bakery. They have joined forces with some very special moms who are living the life in order to make this happen.

The Cookie Momsters will be open from 10-4 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Make plans to stop in at 5041 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 (one block north of University) and pick up some yummy desserts, muffins and breads. Get there early for the best selection!

Lynn Yeagel can also do special orders including nut-free or soy. Call her at 904-739-2080 with questions, or to place an order for a Thanksgiving or Christmas treat!

Become Fan of HEAL on Facebook!

Become a Fan of HEAL on Facebook. HEAL is expanding our online community to reach out to families living with Autism and share upcoming events. Become a fan and link us to your friends and families!