Talk About Curing Autism Family and Friends Campaign

I have dedicated my life to the care, support, education and advocacy of children with special needs. My journey began when I was just fourteen years old working as a camp cpunselor at a camp for children with disabilities in the Texas Hill Country

Since that time, my drive to help children and families affected by disability has only grown. From that point forward, a fire was ignited in me that led to many years of volunteer work with CAMP and other organizations,
and a commitment to focus my career on the support of children with disabilities. I began my career as an special education teacher, but soon realized that although I loved and honored the teaching profession, advocacy was my calling. My conviction took me to law school where I focused my work on advocacy and children's rights.

I am so proud to work for Talk About Curing Autism, a national organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people living with autism. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love everyday while helping a great organization continue its commitment to help families.

In 2005, Autism affected 1 in every 166, in 2007 Autism affected 1 in every 150, in 2009 Autism affected 1 in every 91 and today......Autism currently affects 1 in every 50 children. Talk About Curing Autism supports almost 28,000 families each year at no cost to them. Given the gorowing number of families impacted by autism, the work TACA does is invaluable.

How does TACA help families?

• Monthly Parent Education Meetings including up-to-date books for the resource library
• TACA Journey Guides free to all new families
• Financial Scholarships for families in need
• New Parent Seminars
• Parent Mentor Program
• Increased Autism Awareness through brochures, bookmarks, participating in conferences, and distributing "My Child has Autism" cards
• TACA's informative website including Live Chat
• Autism Cares - providing financial support for families during national disasters and catastrophic life events

As you can imagine, in the current economy, non-profit organizations must work even harder to make ends meet and continue the important work we do. Please consider making a donation to help us make this year as successful as the last and continue providing the programs and services families desperately need.

Donating through our website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. http://faf.tacanow.org/2013/doit4TACA/SummerStech/

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Thanks,
Summer