Fwd: e-Speaks: Cosby, Braxton Concert; Penn State Event; Legislative Update

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e-Speaks || April 14, 2007

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Cosby, Braxton Concert Raises $1.4 Million

Comedy legend Bill Cosby and Autism Speaks celebrity spokesperson Toni Braxton headlined a sold-out concert that raised over $1.4 million for autism research, awareness and advocacy. Read more. Plus, click here for a photo gallery from the event.

Penn State Students Unite for Autism Speaks

On Saturday, April 14, Penn State students turn out for the 2nd Annual “We are… Curing Autism Now” 5K run/3k walk to benefit Autism Speaks. Over 1000 participants from the student and local population in State College, PA are expected, and this year's goal of $150,000 goal is within reach. Click here for details. In addition to the run/walk, the event includes more than 30 special auction items for sale on EBay to Autism Speaks supporters across America, including a Colorado ski vacation, Penn State football tickets, Joe Paterno autographed items, and tickets to NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Click here for auction details.

Legislative Action Expected April 17, 18

The coming week will be an eventful one for federal and state legislative activity. Tuesday morning will see the introduction in Washington, D.C., of the House version of the "Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act," first introduced in the Senate last month. And that afternoon, Autism Speaks co-founder Bob will testify in the Senate to advocate for funding to implement the Combating Autism Act. Then on Wednesday morning, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will see the introduction of landmark bill to require an appropriate level of health insurance coverage for autism-related care and services. Learn more. And to support these and other legislative activities, sign up for Autism Speaks advocacy alerts.

What's Happening in Your Community?

What has your local community done to mark autism awareness month? We're looking for creative, original and constructive advocacy efforts that could catch on across the country. Please email us your thoughts.

Society of Toxicology Meeting Addresses Autism

The recent annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology included two sessions dedicated to autism spectrum disorders. The first was an overview of the role of the environment in autism, and provided an opportunity for discussion of new ways to study gene-environment interactions. The second session focused on chelation in heavy metal poisoning and in autism. Read more.

Bell To Chair Defense Department Panel

Autism Speaks' Executive Vice President Bell will serve as chair of the Integration Panel of the Department of Defense FY07 Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Program. The panel will assist with the implementation of the autism research program funded in the 2007 Department of Defense Appropriation. Read more.

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