Fw: Connections Newsletter 02/22/07

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Connections Newsletter 02/22/07

Connections Newsletter 02/22/07

Cure Autism Now: Thursday, February 22, 2007

Autism Genome Project Finds Two Genetic Links to Disorder

AGRE Provides Samples for Study--the World's Largest DNA Scan

Preliminary findings from the first phase of the largest-ever

autism genome scan were published in the online edition of Nature Genetics, one

of the world's most prestigious research publications, on Feb. 18. This research

was performed by more than 120 scientists from more than 50 institutions

representing 19 countries who formed a first-of-its-kind autism genetics

consortium, the Autism Genome Project (AGP). Cure Autism Now's Autism Genetic

Resource Exchange (AGRE) contributed one-third of the clinical data and DNA

samples analyzed by the AGP in this study.

Continue reading this story in our science news.

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CAN/AS Announce RFA for the Autism Treatment Network

Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks request applications for

participation in the Autism Treatment Network (ATN), a network of treatment and

research centers dedicated to improving medical care for children and

adolescents with autism. This request solicits letters of intent for the Centers

for Research and Treatment (CRT) component of the ATN. The CRT network consists

of academic institutions with extensive experience in treatment and research of

Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ATN began as a collaboration of five sites and

now seeks to expand the number of participating institutions.

To read the full text of the RFA (ATN-CRT-07-01), go to:

www.cureautismnow.org/atngrants.

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Don't Miss the Best Party in Chicago on Night!

An Evening with the Stars, live from Studio A at NBC Tower in

Chicago, benefiting Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks, is this Sunday night.

With the 79th Annual Academy Awards® broadcast, this Hollywood-themed benefit

features an elegant pre-show dinner at Catch 35 Restaurant and movie-themed

cocktails and entertainment. Chairpersons Teri Steinberg and Kerry and Dan

Schlaack, together with a dedicated committee, have organized a fun-filled,

exciting evening. Those at the dinner will take a champagne trolley ride through

Chicago followed by a red carpet experience. After being greeted by the flashing

cameras of the paparazzi, you will enter Studio A at NBC Tower for the live

broadcast of the awards ceremony. A silent auction will feature trips to

Hollywood, New York City and Mexico, a Chicago Bulls Luxury Suite, " Scout Seats "

to a White Sox game and much, much more!

Buy your tickets today by calling . Visit

www.eveningwiththestars.org for more information.

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Clothes Off Our Back's Spring Awards Show Auction Continues

Bid on the clothing and accessories that your favorite movie

and television stars wore to the Golden Globes, SAG Awards and other Hollywood

events. Gowns, tuxedos, shoes, handbags, sunglasses, watches and gift bags are

all up for auction. The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation's latest auction

features today's hottest celebrity attire and is live until March 15. Proceeds

benefit children's charities, including Cure Autism Now. The latest auction

includes costumes from " Ugly Betty " and " Desperate Housewives " and

celebrity-signed iPods and T-shirts are available. More celebrity items will be

added following the Academy Awards this Sunday.

Continue reading this article on our Web site.

To bid on items and to see updates and additions, continue to

check www.clothesoffourback.org.

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Sixth-Annual First Look for Charity a Great Success

Wolf Family Honored with Cure Autism Now's Thanks a Million

Award

Cure Autism Now supporters from across the country gathered at

the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity on Feb. 8 to raise funds for

autism research and awareness. Thanks to the substantial efforts of Dan and

Penny Wolf, the entire Wolf family, and the incredible committee, the event has

raised close to $1 million for CAN over the last six years.

As part of this black-tie evening, and in recognition of their

tremendous support and generosity, Bell, CEO and President of Cure Autism

Now, presented the Thanks a Million Award to Penny and Dan, Tammy and Danny, and

Kim and Randy Wolf. This marks only the fourth time that the Thanks a Million

Award has been given.

Read the rest of the article and excerpts from the award

presentation speech here.

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Atlanta Thrashers Host Second-Annual Autism Awareness Night

The Atlanta Thrashers, Athletes Against Autism and the

Mellanby Autism Foundation hosted their second annual Autism Awareness Night at

the Thrashers game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 3, at Philips Arena.

Ticket sales, a special meet-and-greet opportunity, a 50/50 raffle and a silent

auction helped raise more than $9,000 for the fight against autism.

This was one of many Autism Awareness Nights that Athletes

Against Autism has coordinated with professional sports teams across the

country. For more information on events coming to your city, special

opportunities and how you can get involved, please visit the events page of the

Athletes Against Autism site.

Read the full article here.

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Recently Added Books on Autism

Check out the Resources section of our Web site to view the

latest books on autism. The newest addition is Aspergers and Girls by Tony

Attwood, Temple Grandin, Bolick and Faherty. This book features

women on the autism spectrum telling the world about their experiences, both

good and bad. Their candid reflections will warm your heart while giving you an

inside view to another realm. Leading professionals in the field also

contributed articles that offer insightful advice.

Purchase the book from & Noble via this link and a

portion of the proceeds will support Cure Autism Now.

To view more books on autism, visit the Resources page on our

Web site.

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Why I Support Cure Autism Now

My oldest grandson, ie, was diagnosed last year at 3

1/2. His mother and I were pretty sure long before--instead of developing normal

language skills, he made up his own language! It had consistence and syntax, but

it was unlike any known language. So the counselors put him in a pre-K for slow

speakers, which of course he didn't fit into. He is now in a pre-K for ASD and

doing well. His mother (my daughter) has decided to return to college to become

an ASD teacher! We participated in the CAN WALK NOW in Orlando, Nov. 18 on the

Frost Elementary Cougars Team.

- Garrigues

Why do you support Cure Autism Now?

E-mail whycan@... and if we use your quote we

will send you a CAN T-shirt or baseball cap.

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How to Subscribe to This Newsletter

Do you have a friend or family member that is not receiving

Cure Autism Now CONNECTIONS? Please forward this edition to anyone who might be

interested.

Subscribing to CONNECTIONS is easy. Go to

www.cureautismnow.org and click on the " Get eNewsletter " link at the top-right

of the page, and fill out the subscribe form.

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About Cure Autism Now

The Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN) is a nonprofit

organization dedicated to promoting and funding autism research and accelerating

the pace of scientific progress toward effective treatments and a cure. The

organization is one of the largest private funders of biological research in

autism, providing nearly $39 million for research grants, outreach and

scientific resources since its inception in 1995. For more information about

Cure Autism Now, please visit our Web site at www.cureautismnow.org.

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In This Issue

Autism Genome Project Finds Two Genetic Links

Applications Requested for ATN

An Evening with the Stars: Chicago Party

Clothes Off Our Back's Latest Auction

Chicago Auto Show: Thanks a Million Award

Autism Awareness Night Recap

Recently Added Books in Online Resources

Why I Support Cure Autism Now

Ways to Support Cure Autism Now

Donate to Cure Autism Now

Become a Corporate Partner

Raise Funds for Cure Autism Now

Participate in Cure Autism Now Events

Workplace Giving

More

WALK NOW

5K Autism Walk and Community Resource Fair

Coming to:

Los Angeles

April 28, 2007

Dallas

May 19, 2007

Chicago

May 20, 2007

New York

June 3, 2007

San Francisco

June 9, 2007

Hawaii

June 16, 2007

Bank of America

CAN Credit Card

More details here.

How Can You Help?

Donate that old vehicle you've been meaning to get rid of. Make a

great contribution to our cause and receive a significant tax deduction. Visit

www.cureautismnow.org/donate or call for more information on how

you can donate your vehicle for Cure Autism Now.

Forward This E-mail to Your Family and Friends

Modify Your Cure Autism Now Profile

© 2007. Cure Autism Now Foundation

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