Monthly Archives: March 2012

Parkinson’s patients to swamp homes

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Australia's nursing homes will be swamped by a tidal wave of Parkinson's sufferers unless governments act now, an expert warns.

A Sydney-based Parkinson's disease expert says rates are expected to jump 80 per cent over the next 20 years because of Australia's aging population.

Currently 64,000 people have the progressive brain disease that causes uncontrollable tremors, loss of movement and bowel and bladder problems.

Associate Professor Simon Lewis from the University of Sydney is expected to present new research on the benefits of community-based Parkinson's nurses at a nursing conference on the Gold Coast on Friday.

Professor Lewis says Australia must adopt the UK approach of employing the specialist nurses or pay the price in nursing home care costs.

'You have to have a way of addressing this tidal wave of patients who are coming over the next 20 years,' he told AAP.

His research indicates that access to specialist nurses in the community can stave off the need for nursing home accommodation.

He compared the health of Parkinson's sufferers and their carers in Shoalhaven, NSW, before and six months after they were placed in the care of a specialist nurse.

'Very clearly what we saw is that during the time they had been seeing the nurse the patient's health had improved,' he said.

'More importantly, the carers themselves reported that their own health had improved.'

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Parkinson's patients to swamp homes

Lawrence dives in for Parkinson’s

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Swim coach Laurie Lawrence.

APN

OLYMPIC and world champion swim coach Laurie Lawrence will add his support to a call for the establishment of a national network of community-based nurses following the publishing of new research into Parkinson's disease.

The findings of the Australian-first Shoalhaven Project reveal the valuable role played by community-based nurses in supporting people living with this devastating, neurodegenerative disease.

This study reveals the crucial role nurses play in significantly improving the quality of life of more than 1-in-350 (64,000) Australians affected by this disease.

One of those 64,000 is Ian Findlay, the former Australian butterfly champion and life-long friend of Lawrence. Findlay was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's at 40 years of age in 2004.

Lawrence is now urging the Government to fund more community-based Parkinson's nurses in support of Findlay and other sufferers.

"I coached Ian as a young athlete and I know of no one who trained harder than he did. Once he finished his competitive career, I asked Ian to become my assistant coach. We've been friends for 28 years.

"He is a true champion. Ian has tremendous courage and has overcome many obstacles - physical and mental - throughout his distinguished career. Since his diagnosis, he has changed from being an outgoing, bouncy fella to someone who is more introspective and cautious.

"He works incredibly hard to fight the symptoms of Parkinson's with assistance from his hospital-based nurse and his wife, Nicole, who has given up her career as a school teacher to care for him. Both are integral to his physical and mental wellbeing. Having access to a local, community-based nurse would further complement his support network," said Mr Lawrence.

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Lawrence dives in for Parkinson's

Lawrence dives in for Parkinson's

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Swim coach Laurie Lawrence.

APN

OLYMPIC and world champion swim coach Laurie Lawrence will add his support to a call for the establishment of a national network of community-based nurses following the publishing of new research into Parkinson's disease.

The findings of the Australian-first Shoalhaven Project reveal the valuable role played by community-based nurses in supporting people living with this devastating, neurodegenerative disease.

This study reveals the crucial role nurses play in significantly improving the quality of life of more than 1-in-350 (64,000) Australians affected by this disease.

One of those 64,000 is Ian Findlay, the former Australian butterfly champion and life-long friend of Lawrence. Findlay was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's at 40 years of age in 2004.

Lawrence is now urging the Government to fund more community-based Parkinson's nurses in support of Findlay and other sufferers.

"I coached Ian as a young athlete and I know of no one who trained harder than he did. Once he finished his competitive career, I asked Ian to become my assistant coach. We've been friends for 28 years.

"He is a true champion. Ian has tremendous courage and has overcome many obstacles - physical and mental - throughout his distinguished career. Since his diagnosis, he has changed from being an outgoing, bouncy fella to someone who is more introspective and cautious.

"He works incredibly hard to fight the symptoms of Parkinson's with assistance from his hospital-based nurse and his wife, Nicole, who has given up her career as a school teacher to care for him. Both are integral to his physical and mental wellbeing. Having access to a local, community-based nurse would further complement his support network," said Mr Lawrence.

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Lawrence dives in for Parkinson's

Parkinson’s disease stopped in animal model: Molecular ‘tweezers’ break up toxic aggregations of proteins

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ScienceDaily (Mar. 2, 2012) Millions of people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and worsens over time. As the world's population ages, it's estimated that the number of people with the disease will rise sharply. Yet despite several effective therapies that treat Parkinson's symptoms, nothing slows its progression.

While it's not known what exactly causes the disease, evidence points to one particular culprit: a protein called -synuclein. The protein, which has been found to be common to all patients with Parkinson's, is thought to be a pathway to the disease when it binds together in "clumps," or aggregates, and becomes toxic, killing the brain's neurons.

Now, scientists at UCLA have found a way to prevent these clumps from forming, prevent their toxicity and even break up existing aggregates.

UCLA professor of neurology Jeff Bronstein and UCLA associate professor of neurology Gal Bitan, along with their colleagues, report the development of a novel compound known as a "molecular tweezer," which in a living animal model blocked -synuclein aggregates from forming, stopped the aggregates' toxicity and, further, reversed aggregates in the brain that had already formed. And the tweezers accomplished this without interfering with normal brain function.

The research appears in the current online edition of the journal Neurotherapeutics.

There are currently more than 30 diseases with no cure that are caused by protein aggregation and the resulting toxicity to the brain or other organs, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. It is therefore critical, Bronstein said, to find a way to stop this aggregation process. Over the last two decades, researchers and pharmaceutical companies have attempted to develop drugs that would prevent abnormal protein aggregation, but so far, they have had little or no success.

While these aggregates are a natural target for a drug, finding a therapy that targets only the aggregates is a complicated process, Bronstein said. In Parkinson's, for example, the protein implicated in the disorder, -synuclein, is naturally ubiquitous throughout the brain.

"Its normal function is not well understood, but it may play a role in aiding communication between neurons," Bronstein said. "The trick, then, is to prevent the -synuclein protein aggregates and their toxicity without destroying -synuclein's normal function, along with, of course, other healthy areas of the brain.

Molecular tweezer

Bronstein collaborated with Bitan, who had been working with a particular molecular tweezer he had developed called CLR01. Molecular tweezers are complex molecular compounds that are capable of binding to other proteins. Shaped like the letter "C," these compounds wrap around chains of lysine, a basic amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins.

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Parkinson's disease stopped in animal model: Molecular 'tweezers' break up toxic aggregations of proteins

Parkinson's disease stopped in animal model: Molecular 'tweezers' break up toxic aggregations of proteins

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ScienceDaily (Mar. 2, 2012) Millions of people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and worsens over time. As the world's population ages, it's estimated that the number of people with the disease will rise sharply. Yet despite several effective therapies that treat Parkinson's symptoms, nothing slows its progression.

While it's not known what exactly causes the disease, evidence points to one particular culprit: a protein called -synuclein. The protein, which has been found to be common to all patients with Parkinson's, is thought to be a pathway to the disease when it binds together in "clumps," or aggregates, and becomes toxic, killing the brain's neurons.

Now, scientists at UCLA have found a way to prevent these clumps from forming, prevent their toxicity and even break up existing aggregates.

UCLA professor of neurology Jeff Bronstein and UCLA associate professor of neurology Gal Bitan, along with their colleagues, report the development of a novel compound known as a "molecular tweezer," which in a living animal model blocked -synuclein aggregates from forming, stopped the aggregates' toxicity and, further, reversed aggregates in the brain that had already formed. And the tweezers accomplished this without interfering with normal brain function.

The research appears in the current online edition of the journal Neurotherapeutics.

There are currently more than 30 diseases with no cure that are caused by protein aggregation and the resulting toxicity to the brain or other organs, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. It is therefore critical, Bronstein said, to find a way to stop this aggregation process. Over the last two decades, researchers and pharmaceutical companies have attempted to develop drugs that would prevent abnormal protein aggregation, but so far, they have had little or no success.

While these aggregates are a natural target for a drug, finding a therapy that targets only the aggregates is a complicated process, Bronstein said. In Parkinson's, for example, the protein implicated in the disorder, -synuclein, is naturally ubiquitous throughout the brain.

"Its normal function is not well understood, but it may play a role in aiding communication between neurons," Bronstein said. "The trick, then, is to prevent the -synuclein protein aggregates and their toxicity without destroying -synuclein's normal function, along with, of course, other healthy areas of the brain.

Molecular tweezer

Bronstein collaborated with Bitan, who had been working with a particular molecular tweezer he had developed called CLR01. Molecular tweezers are complex molecular compounds that are capable of binding to other proteins. Shaped like the letter "C," these compounds wrap around chains of lysine, a basic amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins.

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Parkinson's disease stopped in animal model: Molecular 'tweezers' break up toxic aggregations of proteins

Parkinson’s Disease Stopped in Animal Model

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Newswise Millions of people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and worsens over time. As the world's population ages, it's estimated that the number of people with the disease will rise sharply. Yet despite several effective therapies that treat Parkinson's symptoms, nothing slows its progression.

While it's not known what exactly causes the disease, evidence points to one particular culprit: a protein called -synuclein. The protein, which has been found to be common to all patients with Parkinson's, is thought to be a pathway to the disease when it binds together in "clumps," or aggregates, and becomes toxic, killing the brain's neurons.

Now, scientists at UCLA have found a way to prevent these clumps from forming, prevent their toxicity and even break up existing aggregates.

UCLA professor of neurology Jeff Bronstein and UCLA associate professor of neurology Gal Bitan, along with their colleagues, report the development of a novel compound known as a "molecular tweezer," which in a living animal model blocked -synuclein aggregates from forming, stopped the aggregates' toxicity and, further, reversed aggregates in the brain that had already formed. And the tweezers accomplished this without interfering with normal brain function.

The research appears in the current online edition of the journal Neurotherapeutics.

There are currently more than 30 diseases with no cure that are caused by protein aggregation and the resulting toxicity to the brain or other organs, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. It is therefore critical, Bronstein said, to find a way to stop this aggregation process. Over the last two decades, researchers and pharmaceutical companies have attempted to develop drugs that would prevent abnormal protein aggregation, but so far, they have had little or no success.

While these aggregates are a natural target for a drug, finding a therapy that targets only the aggregates is a complicated process, Bronstein said. In Parkinson's, for example, the protein implicated in the disorder, -synuclein, is naturally ubiquitous throughout the brain.

"Its normal function is not well understood, but it may play a role in aiding communication between neurons," Bronstein said. "The trick, then, is to prevent the -synuclein protein aggregates and their toxicity without destroying -synuclein's normal function, along with, of course, other healthy areas of the brain.

Molecular tweezer

Bronstein collaborated with Bitan, who had been working with a particular molecular tweezer he had developed called CLR01. Molecular tweezers are complex molecular compounds that are capable of binding to other proteins. Shaped like the letter "C," these compounds wrap around chains of lysine, a basic amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins.

Continued here:
Parkinson's Disease Stopped in Animal Model

Parkinson's Disease Stopped in Animal Model

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Newswise Millions of people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and worsens over time. As the world's population ages, it's estimated that the number of people with the disease will rise sharply. Yet despite several effective therapies that treat Parkinson's symptoms, nothing slows its progression.

While it's not known what exactly causes the disease, evidence points to one particular culprit: a protein called -synuclein. The protein, which has been found to be common to all patients with Parkinson's, is thought to be a pathway to the disease when it binds together in "clumps," or aggregates, and becomes toxic, killing the brain's neurons.

Now, scientists at UCLA have found a way to prevent these clumps from forming, prevent their toxicity and even break up existing aggregates.

UCLA professor of neurology Jeff Bronstein and UCLA associate professor of neurology Gal Bitan, along with their colleagues, report the development of a novel compound known as a "molecular tweezer," which in a living animal model blocked -synuclein aggregates from forming, stopped the aggregates' toxicity and, further, reversed aggregates in the brain that had already formed. And the tweezers accomplished this without interfering with normal brain function.

The research appears in the current online edition of the journal Neurotherapeutics.

There are currently more than 30 diseases with no cure that are caused by protein aggregation and the resulting toxicity to the brain or other organs, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes. It is therefore critical, Bronstein said, to find a way to stop this aggregation process. Over the last two decades, researchers and pharmaceutical companies have attempted to develop drugs that would prevent abnormal protein aggregation, but so far, they have had little or no success.

While these aggregates are a natural target for a drug, finding a therapy that targets only the aggregates is a complicated process, Bronstein said. In Parkinson's, for example, the protein implicated in the disorder, -synuclein, is naturally ubiquitous throughout the brain.

"Its normal function is not well understood, but it may play a role in aiding communication between neurons," Bronstein said. "The trick, then, is to prevent the -synuclein protein aggregates and their toxicity without destroying -synuclein's normal function, along with, of course, other healthy areas of the brain.

Molecular tweezer

Bronstein collaborated with Bitan, who had been working with a particular molecular tweezer he had developed called CLR01. Molecular tweezers are complex molecular compounds that are capable of binding to other proteins. Shaped like the letter "C," these compounds wrap around chains of lysine, a basic amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins.

Continued here:
Parkinson's Disease Stopped in Animal Model

From monkeys to medication: New research into helping people with MS

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More than 400,000 Americans are living with Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic, unpredictable disease that attacks the central nervous system.

Now, new discoveries could help scientists come up with better treatments for the disease and even prevent its onset.

Whether parachuting, fishing, or enjoying the beach, Susan Dobroff has always pictured herself as an outdoors woman.

Susan Dobroff, Living with MS, explains why she enjoys the outdoors so much, "It's like being in touch with God."

Not even Multiple Sclerosis could dampen her active lifestyle. Two years after being diagnosed, she started law school.

Dobroff explains how she decided to go to law school, "I realized, you know, you've been thinking about going to law school for a long time so got to do it sooner rather than later."

10 years after her diagnosis, Susan began to lose her ability to walk. Eventually, her legal career came to a grinding halt, too.

Dobroff explains how she struggle after awhile with her job, "Lawyers don't need to walk and run in order to practice law but we do have to think."

Now Japanese Macaques could hold the key to helping people like Susan. Scientists at the Oregon National Primate Center have discovered a new herpes virus in monkeys that causes an MS like disease in Macaques.

These brain lesions are a classic indicator of inflammation in people with MS. The discovery could help scientists solve how the disease develops and stop its onset.

Excerpt from:
From monkeys to medication: New research into helping people with MS

Gazette.Net: National Multiple Sclerosis Society names Frederick Walk MS Ambassador

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Sarah Reynolds, of Frederick, has been named Fredericks ambassador for the Walk MS fundraiser for multiple sclerosis on April 14.

Reynolds mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) a debilitating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system more than 20 years ago, according to a news release.

Since 1990, Reynolds has been the motivator, organizer and team captain of Frederick Walk MS Team Della. Each year she asks family and friends to raise money to support the National MS Society and encouraging more people to participate.

At the walk, she will share her story with about 700 walk participants. Walk MS in Frederick takes place at 9 a.m. on April 14 at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive Frederick. To register, visit http://www.walkmsmaryland.org or call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.

Symptoms of the disease range from reduced or lost mobility to numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.1 million worldwide.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding research, advocacy, professional education, collaboration with MS organizations and programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families. To learn more about multiple sclerosis and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society visit http://www.nationalMSsociety.org.

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Gazette.Net: National Multiple Sclerosis Society names Frederick Walk MS Ambassador

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

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CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to recognize March as MS Awareness Month. During the month of March, MSAA will be highlighting various programs designed to expand knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Such program offerings include:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110615/PH20696LOGO )

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA provides vital programs and services, such as: a toll-free Helpline; informative publications including a magazine, The Motivator; website featuring educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H. program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; equipment distribution ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager; educational events and activities; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; and more. For additional information, please visit http://www.msassociation.org or call (800) 532-7667.

The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.

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March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Keystone Villa at Douglassville holds Dementia seminar

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Keystone Villa at Douglassville held its third of a four-part, free educational series, Caregiver Techniques in Helping with Dementia Care on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Attendees learned different caregiver techniques that would help a person with dementia complete tasks with declining physical, mental and verbal abilities. Alison Sprankle, training specialist and care manager of Good News Consulting, Inc., discussed different life skill methods that can be used to help your loved one.

Sprankle said that no matter what level of dementia, people want to maintain their independence as much as possible. She said it becomes too easy to do too much for them and then it becomes a battle of the wills. To make daily routines easier, she recommends giving options for them to decide for themselves. Sprankle said it does not matter if the outfit they choose clashes, what counts is that they feel self-sufficient.

Because of frustration and declining abilities, a person with dementia might not cooperate and become difficult when asked to do something like eat or brush his or her teeth. The Hand Under Hand technique allows them to feel like they are still doing the task themselves while being guided along.

If he or she is right handed, you sit or stand to the right, slide your hand under their hand palm up and clasp their hand as though you are about to arm wrestle. You get a little behind them and tuck your arm under their arm. In this position, you now have full use of your fingers to hold an object and move their arm up or down or in or out.

In this position, you can hold a utensil, get food and bring it up to their mouth to eat. You can accomplish things like comb their hair or brush their teeth. With this non-invasive help, they feel like they are successfully participating and will cooperate. If the person is left handed, you stand to their left side and do the same thing with your left hand.

Being stubborn and refusing to eat can become a huge challenge for the caregiver. Other methods that help with dining are simplifying utensils, cups and food presentation by using contrasting colors in table settings to help with attention span, minimizing distracting noise, playing calming instrumental music, and having one-on-one conversations.

If you notice sputtering, coughing or chewing problems while eating, contact your doctor and ask for a speech evaluation to determine if a change is needed in food texture and/or liquid consistency.

Bathing can also be difficult to accomplish as the disease progresses. A few simple techniques could defuse a situation from becoming a behavioral trigger. Dont make a person take a shower when they have been a bath taker all their life. Determine what time of day they prefer personal hygiene. Collect all of the supplies you need in advance before you begin. Let them get bathed in a loose fitting cover-up so their dignity is maintained. Warm the room and towels. Minimize noise, distractions and clutter. If they really dont like water on their body anymore, try a waterless shampoo or soap product. They can be found online or at many stores that sell camping products like Cabelas or Dicks Sporting Goods.

No matter what you are trying to accomplish as the caregiver, keep the activity positive. Start carefully and slowly, go step-by-step and provide encouraging feedback all the way.

Keystone Villa at Douglassville invites the community to attend the conclusion of this series on Wednesday, March 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m., with Successful Engagement with Those Who Have Dementia. Continued...

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Keystone Villa at Douglassville holds Dementia seminar

Shine a light on autism in April

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On Monday, April 2, families and friends of people who are impacted by autism will join together in front of Clock Tower Place in Maynard to watch the town clock turn blue to raise awareness of Autism in the community.

Adding itself to the list of international landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Empire State Building and many more, Clock Towers blue lights will be a symbol that Maynard supports our community members who are impacted by autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

Light It Up Blue is an international campaign created by the organization Autism Speaks.

Jae Mannion, a student at Fowler School and who has Aspergers Syndome, a type of autism, organized the Maynard event. Jae has made collection tins to raise money to pay for the plastic tube covers for the 48 lights, which light the clock every evening. The cost of the tubing is $284. Kevin Whalen, owner of Stow Ace Hardware, has helped support Jae in his efforts. Kevin and his wife Melissa, have a son, Ty, who has a severe form of autism.

According to the group, Autism Speaks, autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children; one in 70 boys in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown. The mission of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. The organization is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

The community is invited to watch the clock turn blue at 7 p.m., Monday April 2 in front of Clock Tower Place. Anyone can Light It Up Blue by purchasing a blue light for their home at Stow Ace Hardware. Maynard and Stow students are encouraged to wear blue to school on April 2.

For more information visit lightitupblue.org or email Danielle Mannion at dmannion@millisps.org.

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Shine a light on autism in April

Toys”R”Us®, Canada helps “Shine A Light For Autism” during third annual fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks …

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Campaign Focuses On How Families Can "Light It Up Blue" To Raise Autism Awareness Across Canada

TORONTO, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Toys"R"Us, Canada today announced the launch of its in-store and online fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Now through Monday, April 30, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores will offer customers an Autism Speaks puzzle piece in exchange for a $1 donation. Monetary donations will be collected at all 73 stores (including Express locations) across the country and online at Toysrus.ca. The company is heightening its focus on autism awareness, unveiling a new theme for the 2012 campaign, "Shine A Light For Autism."

"With so many children affected by autism and not enough known about causes or cures, we hope that our fundraising and awareness campaigns can contribute to solving the autism puzzle," said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys"R"Us Canada. "Through our ongoing partnership, the "R"Us family remains committed to helping Autism Speaks and the critical work they do in supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorders."

Shining A Light For Autism In-store and online

During the campaign, customers can contribute a cash donation at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us locations, including Express locations, and online at Toysrus.ca.

In-store signage displayed in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores across the country feature children with autism dressed as super-heroes, with the Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo as their powerful emblem. The puzzle pieces are bursting with light, while inspiring everyone to donate to the cause by looking to the hero within.

"Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores across Canada are in a unique position to reach numerous parents daily, providing important awareness information about autism in their stores, as well as online," said Suzanne Lanthier, Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada. "We are thrilled to bring hope to families who live with the realities of autism every day, through ongoing support in our research and advocacy efforts."

Toysrus.ca also serves as a resource for parents, caregivers, families and friends of children with autism. Visitors can find a list of "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," which provides toy suggestions to help guide anyone purchasing toys for a child with autism.

Walking To Benefit Autism Speaks

In conjunction with the campaign, the company is also kicking off its national sponsorship of Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a year-long series of more than 85 walk events taking place throughout North America. Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, as well as individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness for the cause. All funds raised through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks to support research awareness and family services programs in Canada.

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Toys"R"Us®, Canada helps "Shine A Light For Autism" during third annual fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks ...

Toys"R"Us®, Canada helps "Shine A Light For Autism" during third annual fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks …

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Campaign Focuses On How Families Can "Light It Up Blue" To Raise Autism Awareness Across Canada

TORONTO, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Toys"R"Us, Canada today announced the launch of its in-store and online fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Now through Monday, April 30, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores will offer customers an Autism Speaks puzzle piece in exchange for a $1 donation. Monetary donations will be collected at all 73 stores (including Express locations) across the country and online at Toysrus.ca. The company is heightening its focus on autism awareness, unveiling a new theme for the 2012 campaign, "Shine A Light For Autism."

"With so many children affected by autism and not enough known about causes or cures, we hope that our fundraising and awareness campaigns can contribute to solving the autism puzzle," said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys"R"Us Canada. "Through our ongoing partnership, the "R"Us family remains committed to helping Autism Speaks and the critical work they do in supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorders."

Shining A Light For Autism In-store and online

During the campaign, customers can contribute a cash donation at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us locations, including Express locations, and online at Toysrus.ca.

In-store signage displayed in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores across the country feature children with autism dressed as super-heroes, with the Autism Speaks puzzle piece logo as their powerful emblem. The puzzle pieces are bursting with light, while inspiring everyone to donate to the cause by looking to the hero within.

"Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores across Canada are in a unique position to reach numerous parents daily, providing important awareness information about autism in their stores, as well as online," said Suzanne Lanthier, Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada. "We are thrilled to bring hope to families who live with the realities of autism every day, through ongoing support in our research and advocacy efforts."

Toysrus.ca also serves as a resource for parents, caregivers, families and friends of children with autism. Visitors can find a list of "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," which provides toy suggestions to help guide anyone purchasing toys for a child with autism.

Walking To Benefit Autism Speaks

In conjunction with the campaign, the company is also kicking off its national sponsorship of Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a year-long series of more than 85 walk events taking place throughout North America. Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, as well as individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness for the cause. All funds raised through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks to support research awareness and family services programs in Canada.

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Toys"R"Us®, Canada helps "Shine A Light For Autism" during third annual fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks ...

Order your Autism Awareness shirts now

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Order your Choose Blue shirts to support World Autism Awareness Month (April). Short-sleeve shirts are only $10 and long-sleeve shirts are $15. Join the Choose Blue campaign and order a blue shirt to wear during the month of April. Payment and order forms are due to Faith, Hope & Charity no later than Thursday, March 8th. The Choose Blue Shirts will be available for pick-up at Faith, Hope & Charity on Friday, March 30th.

"Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy" during World Autism Awareness Month in April. Storm Lake is Choosing Blue as part of Autism Speaks' Light It Up Blue campaign to educate people on the disorder. Autism Speaks is an organization whose mission is to change the future for all who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

For the second year, Faith, Hope & Charity has teamed up with the Riesenberg family, and Storm Lake Radio to promote for Autism Awareness in the community. Knowing how hard it is for an outsider to relate to Autism, as well the pain-staking process of finding information and treatment options, these groups want to make a difference in the community.

With the Autism rates on the rise (Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys, autismspeaks.org), more parents than ever will receive the news, "Your child has Autism." Through projects like Choose Blue, Light It Up Blue and the Iowa Walk Now for Autism Speaks, parents will have a support system and be able to easily identify the information and tools to raise a child with Autism.

By increasing awareness and highlighting resources provided within the community as well as by Autism Speaks, children affected by Autism (and their families) can receive the help they need sooner. With the support of the community and families, we can change the future ... Autism does not have to be a silent disease. Please join Faith, Hope & Charity, the Riesenberg family, and Storm Lake Radio as they Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy during the month of April.

On April 20th, FHC will host an Autism Awareness Walk with a blue balloon release to kick it off at 5:15 p.m. Families, friends and other supporters are invited to come to Faith, Hope & Charity to walk around our campus to promote Autism Awareness. Following the conclusion of the walk (6 p.m.), participants are encouraged to head to Lake Avenue Lounge (downtown Storm Lake) for a fundraising meal (starting at 6 p.m.) -- complete with live entertainment.

For more resources please visit faithhopeandcharity.org, autismspeaks.org, or lightitupblue.org. And, for more information on Choose Blue: For Autism Awareness and Advocacy plans contact Stephanie Beck at Faith, Hope & Charity at 712-732-5127, ext. 102 or stephanie@faithhopeandcharity.org.

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Autism Is Jim Calhoun’s Biggest Opponent

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Jim Calhoun, like many coaches, is superstitious. He might have a lucky tie or piece of jewelry he must wear to end a losing streak, or keep a winning streak going.

But one item that remains in good times and bad is the blue puzzle piece he wears on the lapel of his suit jacket. The symbol for Autism Speaks, like the cause itself, remains close to his heart at all times.

"He has never taken it off," Jeff Calhoun said. "I can't tell you how many people who have mentioned it to me parents, families touched by autism, who tell me how much it means to them. He is very passionate about it. Just by lending his name and reaching out to people, he has done more than we could ever ask."

Said Amy Calhoun: "When I see that blue pin on his lapel, it sometimes brings tears to my eyes. He is taking this on for Reese."

The cause is a personal one for the Calhoun family. Jeff and Amy's daughter, Reese, now 8, was diagnosed at 2, and her grandfather's involvement with the advocacy group Autism Speaks is very deep.

But because he is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday in New York, Calhoun will not be able to participate in an event he has helped launch "CardioRaiser: Workout for Autism Speaks" at Cardio Express in Manchester and Southington from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Farmington Bank is the presenting sponsor.

"It's just so important to raise awareness," Jeff Calhoun said, "because autism, anything that involves the brain, is something we don't talk about much as a society. We want to share our story, and hope it lets people know they are not alone."

Hundreds are expected to participate, and the event is expected to raise at least $100,000 for the Connecticut chapter of Autism Speaks. Participants may choose from a variety of exercise activities to help in the cause. Although Jim Calhoun cannot be there, some of his assistants are expected to stop by the morning after UConn plays Syracuse (Saturday night at 9 p.m.). Panera Bread will provide breakfast for participants.

The event will become an annual one, Jeff Calhoun said.

"I am deeply committed to the cause of helping families confronting the many challenges of autism," Jim Calhoun said in January, when the event was scheduled. "It is my hope that this event will bring Connecticut families together to raise dollars so important to all those facing this complex neurobiological disorder."

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Autism Is Jim Calhoun's Biggest Opponent