Send2Press Newswire

Occupational Therapists Take Animal Therapies Beyond Special Equestrians

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:53:29 GMT

WARRINGTON, Pa., June 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A dedication to their young clients has led Deb Saffren and Kim Hartranft, two Occupational Therapists at Special Equestrians, to broaden the scope of their work in animal assisted therapies. Every Monday Deb and Kim come to work at Special Equestrians providing Hippotherapy, which is Occupational Therapy on the back of the horse. "During this interaction, I know that the child does not feel like they are participating in yet another therapy session. Instead, they are riding a horse," says Deb Saffern, "I know this, because I see their smiles and hear their laughter. What they are usually not aware of is that we are working on strengthening range of motion, balance, postural reflexes, right/left discrimination, gross and fine motor skills, communication, visual perception, and cognitive and social skills."

Their work with Therapy Dogs offers the benefit of unconditional, non-judgmental love; another type of therapy session which can be pleasurable as well as productive. Therapy Dogs encourage engagement in physical and educational activities. Dogs also help increase the desire to cooperate, and reduce distractions while increasing attention spans. Deb Saffren and her dog Cody, a Certified Therapy Dog, volunteer their time for the Roxy Reading Program in the Central Bucks School District.

Kim Hartranft and her dog also named Cody, who is both a Canine Good Citizen and a Certified Therapy Dog, volunteer in the Colonial School District where Kim is also a school based therapist. Kim says "Therapy dogs are calm companions who help relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness. Dogs bring a pleasant distraction and reduce negative feelings, thoughts and concerns. They provide a positive diversion from prolonged periods of repetitive behavior and activities."

Whether these women are with the Therapy Horses at Special Equestrians, or in the school systems with their Therapy Dogs, they are making a positive impact in so many ways. "I am having the opportunity to take part in a magical and fun interaction between child and animal," reflects Deb Saffren, "If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life. So basically I don't look at what I do as work." This positive attitude is one more feature Kim and Deb share with everyone around them.

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c)3 non-profit Therapeutic Riding Program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.

For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0630-SpecEquest_72dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Deb Saffren and Quinn Toy-Foster pet Susie the pony.)

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated to S.E. by Neotrope®.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Special Equestrians, Therapy Dogs

Starlight and CCFA Unveil Enhanced Web Resource for Young Adults with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:49:48 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, coping with their illness is a life-long struggle. Today Starlight Children's Foundation and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation announced the unveiling of their redesigned Web site, UCandCrohns.org, originally designed in 2006 to help young IBD patients cope with their condition. New features - such as frequently asked questions and Ask the Expert - have been created to help young adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manage their life-long digestive disease; connect with others facing similar challenges; communicate with health care providers, family, teachers and peers; administer medication and other treatments; manage their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes; and access resources that make understanding medical jargon much easier.

"Since its initial launch in 2006, UCandCrohns.org has gained significant popularity among teens living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and has become a well-known and valued resource," says Kimberly Frederick, Vice President of Patient & Professional Services for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "The site has been carefully redesigned to appeal to the needs of today's younger generation when it comes to dynamically accessing information online and connecting with others in similar situations."

The new rich and interactive site features, complemented by a fresh energetic graphic design and easy-to-navigate site layout, include:

* My Story - A place for teens to submit videos and stories about the ups-and-downs of life with IBD, and to see what others have sent in about their experiences.
* Tips and Tidbits - Provides a wealth of IBD survival skills, including how to handle long school absences, telling friends about the condition, what makes a medical procedure more bearable, stress management tools, and more practical wisdom from other teens who have been there.
* Ask an Expert - Features Q&A about everything from medications and procedures to foods, fitness, and lifestyle, plus a tool that allows teens to submit new questions.

"Feeling as if everything they do is centered around the bathroom and accompanied by pain, extended absences from school, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, surgeries, and medications and their side effects, life for teens with IBD can be can be isolating and overwhelming," said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight. "We are confident that the updated UCandCrohns.org will help young adult Crohn's and colitis patients better cope with the disease and come to grips with their feelings about it."

Although there are 1.4 million Americans living with IBD, including more than 150,000 children under 18, Crohn's and colitis sufferers, especially young adults, feel isolated and alone. Children with IBD are comforted knowing that others can relate to their struggles, which is helpful in relieving emotional pain of the disease. The UC and Crohn's site connects sick children with the reality that there is hope and a future for every single one of them.

UCandCrohns.org has been made possible through a generous gift from CCFA supporter and National Trustee, Jeff Margolis and his wife Deborah.

About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames the large intestine (colon) only. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, including as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org).

For more information, contact CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

About Starlight Children's Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated to SCF by Neotrope®.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Crohns Colitis Foundation, Starlight Childrens Foundation

Girls Write Now's Spring Reading to Feature Today's Amy Robach and Author Jean Thompson

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:33:30 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., June 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Girls Write Now (GWN), New York's premier creative writing and mentoring organization for high school girls, today announced its annual spring reading, the culmination of another year of developing New York's best young writers. On Sunday, June 14, please join us for an afternoon with participants in the program and the women who inspire them -- featuring Amy Robach, National Correspondent for NBC's Today and National Book Award Nominee Jean Thompson, whose new book is "Do Not Deny Me" (ISBN: 978-1416595632, Simon & Schuster, June 9) -- at the New School University's Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues).

The event will take place from 4-6 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public. This program is co-sponsored by The New School's Department of Media Studies and Film.

Girls Write Now mentees, who range in age from 14 to 21, will read from their new anthology, tackling themes of family, personal identity, independence, sexuality and hundreds of high school days. This year's anthology features an introduction by Judy Blundell, winner of the 2008 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for her novel, "What I Saw and How I Lied."

"This is a wonderful opportunity to see the Girls Write Now community in action," said Maya Nussbaum, Executive Director of Girls Write Now.

Amy Robach serves as the Saturday TODAY anchor and as a national correspondent for Nightly News and TODAY. Robach joined MSNBC in September of 2003 as a daytime anchor. Since then, she has anchored coverage of major news events including the War in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2004 Presidential Election. Robach traveled to Washington, D.C. to cover both President Bush's second Inauguration and the Funeral of President Ronald Reagan. Robach began her career in broadcast journalism in Athens, Georgia, starting as an anchor at WUOG-FM, and later interning at WNGM-TV. Robach graduated from the University of Georgia with honors, and received a bachelor of arts in journalism. She lives in New York with her husband Tim and their two daughters.

Hailed as "one of our most astute diagnosticians of contemporary experience," (Boston Globe) who "rivals [Alice] Munro at her greatest" (Kirkus, starred review), Jean Thompson has emerged as "one of our most lucid and insightful writers" (San Francisco Chronicle). The unanimous critical acclaim for each of Thompson's works of fiction has been accompanied by a profusion of honors and awards: Who Do You Love was a National Book Award finalist, Throw Like a Girl made the New York Times' "100 Notable Books" list and topped the "Best of 2007 lists" in the San Francisco Chronicle and Chicago Tribune. With each succeeding collection, this gifted writer has garnered increasing attention from an ever-widening circle of admirers.

In "DO NOT DENY ME: Stories," her latest collection of short fiction (Simon & Schuster; June 9, 2009; paperback original; $14.00), Thompson excels at defining the unexamined lives that most of her characters have fashioned for themselves and the connections and compromises they make in attempting to assuage their dissatisfactions. Of her work, David Sedaris has said, "If there are 'Jean Thompson characters,' they're us, and never have we been so articulate and worthy of compassion." She lives in Illinois. More: http://www.jeanthompsononline.com/.

Girls Write Now Inc. (GWN) is New York's premier creative writing and mentoring non-profit organization, matching bright, creative teenage girls from the city's public high schools with professional women writers in the community since 1998. Through weekly one-to-one mentoring, monthly group genre-based workshops, and quarterly public readings, their mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where low-income, at-risk girls can expand their natural writing talents, develop independent voices, and build confidence in making healthy choices in school, career and life. 100 percent of all seniors completing the program go on to college and GWN students have earned a total of 33 Scholastic Gold and Silver Writing Awards over the last three years. The organization was recently featured in both The New York Times and as part of the NBC Nightly News "Making a Difference Series."

In 2009, GWN was honored by The Union Square Awards for creating educational opportunities, building community, and promoting progressive social change; GWN was also chosen as a Coming Up Taller Semifinalist by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, distinguishing it as one of the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours. More: www.girlswritenow.org.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, author Jean Thompson, Girls Write Now

Special Equestrians Students Shine at Two Shows in One Week

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:58:25 GMT

WARRINGTON, Pa., June 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The blustery weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Special Equestrians riders at the Annual Spring Festival. Thirty-three students preformed for their own families, members of the community, staff, volunteers, and board members of Special Equestrians.

This event has historically been open to just the riders' families, but last year the Special Equestrians staff decided to invite local craft vendors and open the event to the community at large.

"This shift has allowed our riders the chance to shine in front of a larger audience, they are so proud to demonstrate the skills they have learned during the year," says Assistant Executive Director Tracey Dripps. "It's also great to see our students back in competition at Thorncroft, it's been several years since we have been in the local shows."

The show at Thorncroft Equestrian Center was a new experience for the thirteen students who participated and for their parents as well. Melissa Hallman sat nervously watching her son Blake, "I think he's the youngest one out there!" Blake was the youngest rider from Special Equestrians, at just 5 years old he took home fourth place in his class.

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit therapeutic riding program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience.

Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.

For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0603-BlakesFam_72dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Blake Hallman is surrounded by his proud family after winning a fourth place ribbon at Thorncroft Equestrian Center.)

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, equine experience, Special Equestrians

Walk to Help Foster Children - Family Walk New York, hosted by Nonprofit Children Awaiting Parents

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:41:44 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 3 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The weight of the world falls upon all parentless children. That's why Children Awaiting Parents, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding adoptive families for children in foster care, is hosting its popular Family Walk on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

While the Family Walk is held in Rochester, NY at Ontario Beach Park, friends and supporters of Children Awaiting Parents can participate in the Walk regardless of where they live in the United States. Supporters simply go to www.ChildrenAwaitingParents.org, and click on the Family Walk registration link.

Custom fundraising pages can be created and sent to friends and relatives. On September 26th, if participants do not live in Rochester, NY, they are invited to take a walk in their own community to show their support for children that wait far too long in foster care for a family of their own.

"Our Family Walk is a terrific, active way for people to show they care about foster children that hope for adoption," stated Mark Soule, Executive Director. "We help bring together children and families from across the United States. We are excited that new technology now allows people from across the United States to get involved in generating support and funds for our small, highly-effective organization."

For those that do live in Rochester, please join Children Awaiting Parents at Ontario Beach Park for terrific family fun, including delicious food and great entertainment. All funds raised through the Family Walk support Children Awaiting Parents efforts to find a loving, adoptive family for every child in foster care.

In 37 years, Children Awaiting Parents has brought together more than 6,000 children and families throughout the United States.

About Children Awaiting Parents

Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. (CAP) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. CAP is a founding member of The Adoption Exchange Association and Voice for Adoption. Both are coalitions of organizations and child welfare advocates addressing the urgent needs of waiting children throughout the United States.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Family Walk fundraiser, child adoption organizations

Written by Parents, Drawn by the Kids, VHL Family Alliance Announces the First Guide for Kids Dealing with Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: The VHL Handbook Kids' Edition

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:01:56 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., June 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The VHL Family Alliance (VHLFA) announced today that the very first "VHL Handbook Kids' Edition" (ISBN: 978-1-929539-02-4) is now available at Amazon.com. The book was written and reviewed by a team of parents and professionals and illustrated with charming drawings and photographs from children with VHL, their siblings and friends. "This colorful handbook brings to life an easy to understand lesson on managing health for kids, with a message that is upbeat and hopeful," says genetic counselor, Gayun Chan at Mass General hospital in Boston, MA. The handbook has already received rave reviews locally from doctors at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA and on a national level from doctors and genetic counselors.

The Kids' Edition team wrote the handbook to be a guide and a reference book for parents and children of all ages living with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL). VHL is a hereditary cancer syndrome that increases one's risk of having tumors of the eye, brain, spinal cord, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands. The book is specifically designed for parents to read with their children to begin answering their questions about VHL. It is meant to be used as a starting point for discussions about how VHL has affected the family. The handbook gives children a basic understanding of VHL and information on how to live with it and manage their own health.

The book can also be a resource for families dealing with other hereditary cancer syndromes. It explains genetics in simple terms and is a tool to teach children about this topic. The book is available for $12.99 from Amazon.com or from the VHLFA at www.vhl.org. Members of the VHLFA are eligible to receive a copy of the book at a fifty percent discount from the association.

Also released this week is a video trailer about the book put together by VHLFA parent and child team, Renee and Noah Sissons, available for viewing on YouTube now at youtube.com/vhlfa. To find about more about VHL Handbook Kids' Edition, call 1-800-767-4VHL. Visit vhl.org/vhlsales/kidsbook.php for an inside look at the book and its illustrations.

About Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

VHL is a genetic risk factor for a number of tumors that is caused by a tiny misspelling in one copy of one gene, the VHL gene. People who carry this flaw are at increased risk for tumors of the retina, brain, spinal cord, kidneys, pancreas and adrenal glands.

About VHL Family Alliance

VHLFA is a non-profit organization. It provides information for families and physicians about this disorder and local and online self-help support groups for families affected with VHL. It is dedicated to improving diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals and families affected by von Hippel-Lindau disease. It has been endorsed by the BBB and ICA as one of the Best Charities in America.

A VNR (video news release) for this story can be found here:
http://www.Send2Press.com/newswire/2009-06-0601-003.shtml

Media Contact:
Anita Kalathara
VHL Family Alliance
Telephone: 1-800-767-4845, Ext. 4
Fax: 1-858-712-9712
development @ vhl.org

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, von Hippel Lindau syndrome, VHL Family Alliance

Girls Write Now Mentees Win Big in the 2009 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:23:47 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Girls Write Now (GWN), New York's first and only creative writing and mentoring program for high school girls, is proud to announce that 14 of the winning entrees in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards-including a national award-were written by this year's talented mentees! (See below for a complete list of winners.)

This year's wins bring the grand total of GWN mentees who have won Scholastic awards to an incredible 33; it also marks the third consecutive year that GWN members have been among the winning entrants. Several GWN mentees (Samantha Diaz, Clio Contegenis, and Nadia Simir) each won multiple 2009 awards; other mentees added Scholastic keys to previous years' wins.

For Samantha Diaz, a regional win was a stepping stone to the national stage: In addition to regional keys for her poetry, a short story, a drama piece, and her general writing portfolio, she won a national silver key for two of her poems,

Forty GWN mentees submitted a total of 78 pieces in all nine categories, including five general writing portfolios, to this year's program. "Our girls continue to gain invaluable experience by applying to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards each year," said GWN co-founder and executive director Maya Nussbaum. "Creating and editing pieces, formatting them to meet the Scholastic submission requirements, and meeting the entry deadlines help prepare them for the many types of writing assignments they'll face in college and their professional lives. When they win, the validation they receive from an objective-and especially such a prestigious-source, changes the girls' attitudes about themselves and the trajectory of their writing lives."

GWN's partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers (the nonprofit branch of Scholastic) has grown in strength over the years, as GWN has helped bring the contest to students from public high schools and low-income neighborhoods, while Scholastic generously provides space for GWN workshops.

"Every year, our judges are amazed by the quality of work put forward by Girls Write Now mentees," said the senior manager of the Alliance's national programs Alex Tapnio. "We applaud the work of GWN because of their approach not only to teach writing to students, but to provide role models in the writing industry for underserved girls."

On Wednesday, June 3, the national award winners will be feted at a gala held at Manhattan's Prince George Ballroom and World Monuments Fund Gallery.

Congratulations to all of GWN's 2009 award recipients:

NATIONAL SILVER KEY WINNER:
* Samantha Diaz, Impossibilities, Hotel Rooms (Poetry)

GOLD KEY WINNERS:
* Clio Contogenis, Pop Pop (personal essay/memoir)
* Samantha Diaz, Impossibilities, Hotel Rooms (poetry)
* Samantha Diaz, Writing Portfolio General
* Shira Engel, Riding Unicorns (short short story)
* Suyapa Martinez, Un-Locking Emotion (personal essay/memoir)
* Reema Sharma, Writing Portfolio General

SILVER KEY WINNERS:
* Clio Contogenis, All We Best Strangers Have Mommy Issues (personal essay/memoir)
* Samantha Diaz, A Grave Mis-Steak (drama)
* Samantha Diaz, Promises (short story)
* Emma Fiske-Dobell, I Can't Live Without You Anymore (short short story)
* Meghan McCullough, Out the Window (personal essay/memoir)
* Nadia Misir, On Going to School in the City (personal essay/memoir)
* Nadia Misir, Untitled (short short story).

About Girls Write Now

Girls Write Now Inc. (GWN) is New York's premier creative writing and mentoring non-profit organization, matching bright, creative teenage girls from the city's public high schools with professional women writers in the community since 1998. Through weekly one-to-one mentoring, monthly group genre-based workshops, and quarterly public readings, their mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where low-income, at-risk girls can expand their natural writing talents, develop independent voices, and build confidence in making healthy choices in school, career and life. The organization has recently been featured in The New York Times and on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Girls Write Now has been chosen as a Coming Up Taller Semifinalist by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, distinguishing it as one of the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours.

More information: www.girlswritenow.org.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Scholastic Art Writing Awards, Girls Write Now

June Metro Atlanta Event - First Annual Party in the Park Suwanee Town Center Park

Tue, 26 May 2009 19:36:38 GMT

Festival to promote family fitness, all proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga., May 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On June 6, The C3 Church is sponsoring its first annual "C3 Party in the Park" community festival, at Suwanee Town Center Park in Gwinnett County, to promote fitness for the entire family, including demonstrations teaching children how to have fun living a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape, and a 5K run benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

WHAT: C3 Party in the Park (c3partyinthepark.com)
5K Run and Family Festival
Proceeds to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHERE: Suwanee Town Center Park

DETAILS: 5K Run and Family Fitness Festival

The first annual "C3 Party in the Park" is a community festival to promote fitness for the entire family. Demonstrations on hand will teach children how to have fun living a healthy lifestyle and staying in shape! Proceeds from the 5K run will be donated to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

5K Course: The course begins at Suwanee Town Center Park and winds through part of the Suwanee Greenway and back to Suwanee Town Center Park.

Online Registration: $20.00 and includes a race day t-shirt.

Race Day Registration: $25.00 and is available from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the race. However, to ensure the receipt of a t-shirt, we encourage you to register beforehand.

Festival Entry: Free of charge! All welcome! Attractions will include:
* Food and Beverages
* Games and prizes for kids
* Fitness and sports demonstrations
* Water fountain for children's play
* Sponsor and vendor booths
* Live entertainment
* 50 yard dash, face painting, jumping castles, and much more!

Website: For more information, visit http://c3partyinthepark.com.

ABOUT C3 CHURCH: For more information on C3 Church Lawrenceville, visit thec3church.com.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Atlanta events, C3 Church

Children Awaiting Parents' Essay Contest

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:45:48 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- May is National Foster Care Month and Children Awaiting Parents invites you to share your stories about your experience with foster care. The contest is open to people of all ages interested in reflecting on either their experience being in foster care, being a foster parent, or their experience adopting or being adopted from foster care.

More than 120,000 children in America, in foster care, are legally free for adoption and waiting for a loving family to call their own. Children Awaiting Parents in dedicated to finding homes for foster children that have been waiting the longest.

Essays must be the original work of the contestant and should be typed in a 12-point font in English with double spacing and have a cover sheet with contact information. Essays should be between 500 and 750 words in length and submitted by May 29th, 2009. If the contestant is under the age of eighteen, a parent/guardian must authorize their submission. Essays may be submitted to info@capbook.org or mailed to Children Awaiting Parents, 595 Blossom Road, Suite 306, Rochester, NY 14610. (Mailed essays must be postmarked by May 29th, 2009.)

All submissions will be reviewed by Children Awaiting Parents' Executive and Associate Directors. Age of the contestant will be considered during judging process. The top three essays will be featured on ChildrenAwaitingParents.org beginning June 8th. Our first prize essayist will also receive a Voice for Adoption Cookbook and Children Awaiting Parents' custom magnet. Second and Third prize winners will receive the Children Awaiting Parents' custom magnet.

About Children Awaiting Parents

Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. (CAP) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. CAP is a founding member of The Adoption Exchange Association and Voice for Adoption. Both are coalitions of organizations and child welfare advocates addressing the urgent needs of waiting children throughout the United States.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, National Foster Care Month, Children Awaiting Parents

Cal Net Technology Group CEO Joins YAO's Liesel Pritzker to Fight Poverty Through Microfinance

Thu, 14 May 2009 07:59:06 GMT

Zack Schuler, Founder & CEO of IT consulting firm Cal Net Technology Group, will join YAO Chair Liesel Pritzker to raise funds for capitalizing a bank in Tanzania.

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cal Net Technology Group (www.CalNetTech.com) has announced that Founder & CEO Zack Schuler will serve on the board with Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) Chair Liesel Pritzker to raise awareness for the organization in order to increase the involvement of young, visionary entrepreneurs.

YAO, an initiative of Opportunity International, is geared towards engaging young visionaries through its educational programs, fundraising efforts, and networking events, all of which serve to raise awareness and funds for YAO's initial project of capitalizing a bank in Tanzania.

"I've been approached by hundreds of organizations asking for donations, company gift matching programs, and my personal time, but YAO was a standout because of its empowering, business-like approach to the poverty epidemic," remarked Schuler.

Added Pritzker: "For YAO to be successful, we depend on individuals who have both the business savvy and passion for meeting our ultimate objective: to eradicate poverty. With Zack's large network of clients and personal contacts throughout Southern California and the U.S., I know that YAO's name and mission will soon be top of mind among young entrepreneurs, businesses, and other potential partners."

In addition to Cal Net Technology Group's official endorsement of YAO, the relationship will serve to accomplish three specific goals:

* Recruit new ambassadors for YAO

* Raise funds to capitalize International bank in Tanzania

* Educate Cal Net's employees about YAO.

About Cal Net Technology Group

Founded in 1995, Cal Net Technology Group provides Southern California's businesses with technology solutions expertise ranging from outsourced I.T. services to ongoing support and consultation. Their signature service, TECManage, is designed to provide a cost-effective option for companies who need the services of full-time I.T personnel. More information: www.CalNetTech.com.

About Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO)

Young Ambassadors for Opportunity (YAO) is committed to strengthening impoverished communities through the power of microfinance and the work of Opportunity International. The organization is comprised of a visionary, new generation of globally minded young people -- emerging leaders who are joining forces to eradicate poverty around the world.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, Cal Net Technology Group

Acclaimed SoHo and TriBeCa Initiatives Welcome NoHo/Bowery: Privately Funded Organization Adds New District to its Program

Wed, 13 May 2009 18:17:23 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Association for Community Employment for the Homeless (A.C.E.), and its neighborhood initiatives, the SoHo and TriBeCa Partnerships, will extend to include NoHo/Bowery into its non-profit foundation to aid the homeless and keep lower Manhattan clean and green! The NoHo/Bowery Partnership will officially begin May 15, 2009.

The NoHo/Bowery Partnership will become the third entity under the A.C.E. umbrella, modeled after its existing neighborhood initiatives, which have helped hundreds of recovering homeless men and women achieve full-time employment and long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Founded by philanthropist Henry Buhl, the mission of A.C.E. is to enable New York City's homeless men and women to re-enter the workforce and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. Serving recovering homeless individuals with multiple barriers to employment, many program participants also must struggle with difficult issues such as past substance abuse problems, criminal histories and psychiatric diagnoses.

A.C.E.'s approach consists of two programs designed to combat the cycle of homelessness at its roots. Project Comeback is an intensive, four to six month vocational rehabilitation program that incorporates work experience, job-readiness workshops and one-on-one counseling. Upon securing full-time employment, graduates of Project Comeback are encouraged to sign up for Project Stay, our life-long job-retention program. Project Stay provides a permanent safety net for our clients, helping them to maintain and build upon the positive changes they have made in their lives. A.C.E.'s unique strategy has been wildly successful. Since January 2006, 87 percent of our clients have remained employed for two years or longer.

In addition to vocational and practical assistance, A.C.E. participants spend between 20 - 24 hours a week helping clean the streets, removing snow and ice, caring for trees, removing graffiti, and maintaining garbage receptacles with our signature Go Green! bio-degradable trash bags. The men and women of the program currently remove an astounding 20,000 lbs of garbage from Soho and TriBeCa a day!

As a privately funded organization, the NoHo/Bowery Partnership will rely entirely on voluntary contributions from local residents and businesses to maintain this incredible service and continue helping program participants to reclaim their lives. Local businesses that have already become members include Chef Restaurant Supply Company, John Varvatos, Think Coffee, Von and Zero Maria Cornejo.

These important initiatives serve program participants as well as their namesake neighborhoods, keeping historic areas beautiful, and fostering a sense of community.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Employment for Homeless, NoHo Bowery Partnership

VHL Family Alliance Kicks off May Awareness Month, Announcing 8 Events Coast to Coast

Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:43 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., May 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A neoburlesque sci-fi play in Providence, a Crabfest in Maryland, a music festival on Boston Common -- all to support the VHL Family Alliance (VHLFA) in its fight to get attention for its rare disease population. Thirteen year old Alex Anderson from New Jersey formed the idea of a worldwide fundraiser to benefit the VHLFA. The VHLFA announced today the beginning of a month long celebration highlighted by International VHL Day, May 9th to spread awareness for von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL).

Alex was diagnosed with VHL at the age of four and has been through numerous surgeries. He has dedicated much of his time to helping spread awareness of VHL. With eight scheduled events, the VHLFA, a small organization, run by 5 staff and 150 volunteers proves today that the "little guy" can spread awareness in a big way. The VHLFA serves people dealing with vascular tumors of the eye, brain, spinal cord, kidney, pancreas, and adrenal glands. These and other tumors occur in a condition called von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). There is a clear link between VHL and cancer. The VHLFA funds research to find the right drugs to treat VHL and help find a cure for cancer.

Alex says, "I have often felt that kids feel powerless in today's society. Giving them an opportunity to participate in helping to cure cancer also gives them a feeling of significance." This year Alex and his family will be hosting several booths throughout Margate, New Jersey, with information about VHL and will be partnering with the popular eatery, "Steve & Cookies by the Bay" on May 9th to encourage all their customers to dine and donate to VHLFA. According to Alex who has already raised more than $10,000 for VHL, "When I'm fundraising, I always feel more significant in the world, like I really matter."

Among its events, will be a benefit performance of the first play ever written about VHL, "The Thing That ate My Brain...Almost" at the Perishable Theater in Providence, RI. Playwright, Amy Lynn Budd, a VHLFA member, also plays the leading role in this neo-burlesque sci-fi play based off her experiences with VHL. The VHLFA will be posting news about its upcoming events on its website The page contains contact information for each event, along with links to purchase its new releases VHL Day t-shirts. The VHLFA is actively encouraging its members and the general public to attend an event nearest them during month of May.

Three states have already declared May 9th to be VHL Day. The VHL Family Alliance is also using the internet to "tweet" and cause a buzz about International VHL Day. In addition, to creating event pages via its Facebook group, "VHL: Spreading the Awareness of von Hippel-Lindau disease." VHLFA has also established a YouTube channel, which displays inspirational videos from its young members with VHL (www.youtube.com/vhlfa).

For more information on awareness activities or to confirm your attendance to one of these events, please visit vhl.org/announce/09aware.

About Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

VHL is a genetic risk factor for a number of tumors, caused by a tiny misspelling in one copy of one gene, the VHL gene. People who carry this flaw are at increased risk for tumors of the retina, brain, spinal cord, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

About VHL Family Alliance

VHLFA is a non-profit organization that provides information for families and physicians about this disorder and local and online self-help support groups for families affected with VHL. It is dedicated to improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals and families affected by von Hippel-Lindau disease. Endorsed by the BBB and ICA as one of the Best Charities in America. Visit the pressroom, at http://www.vhl.org/press.

Media Contact:
Anita Kalathara
VHL Family Alliance
Telephone: 1-800-767-4845, Ext. 4
Fax: 1-858-712-9712
http://www.vhl.org
anita@vhl.org
development@vhl.org

VHL Family Alliance, 2001 Beacon St. Suite 208, Brighton, MA 02135.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, boston events, von Hippel Lindau disease

VHL Family Alliance Announces Free Awareness Benefit Concert in Boston Common

Fri, 01 May 2009 07:00:37 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., May 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- This year VHL Family Alliance will be hosting its first annual special event in honor of International VHL Day, which will be declared in Massachusetts in May at the State House. Alex Anderson, a 13 year old boy from New Jersey, started this concept when he had a vision of hosting a worldwide fundraiser for VHL. Alex has already had a tumor in his ear at age four and four tumors in his retina, all resulting from his struggle with VHL. Alex is a VHL survivor and major fundraiser for the VHL Family Alliance.

After deciding to hold Alex Jay VHL Day in his hometown this May, he decided to push further and get others involved. Chapters across the country are inspired by his vision and have signed on to host their own events and fundraisers. The Boston chapter and headquarters of the VHLFA, decided to help Alex's dream come true by hosting an awareness event for VHL.

The VHL Awareness Benefit Concert will be held on May 23rd from 11-3 p.m. at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common. The free concert will have various performances by some of the best singers, dancers, and bands from the New England Area and feature music from Keith Richards, a rapper from New York who also deals with VHL. Among its talented acts is 12 year old, Yasmin from Boston, who will sing her inspirational song titled, "Be Yourself." The event will also include performances by Hyde Square Task Force Latin Dance troupe, from Jamaica Plain, MA. The group is led by youth from an after school program "that develops the skills of youth to enhance their own lives and build a strong urban community." These acts among others have volunteered their talents to support the VHL Family Alliance's cause. In addition various sponsors such as Game Stop, J.P. Licks, Duck Tours, Black Seed Cafe & Grill, and many more have donated special items to be raffled off during the show.

The concert will be hosted by local comedian, Matt Donaher and join together everything from hip hop to alternative rock along with great raffle prizes, including a signed autograph by Celtics player, Tony Allen. The free concert will take place in the Parkman Bandstand located near the Boylston Street T station in the Boston Common.

This event is dedicated to spreading the awareness of Von-Hippel Lindau disease and the importance of research in developing safe, effective treatment for this rare disease. The rest of the line up includes, Derek Adams, Katelyn Clampett, Blue Moon Harem, Jaxon Boom, Jennifer Behnke, Erin Marie & Its Edge Dance Troupe, Yoleisha and Ria.

To find about more about VHL Awareness Benefit Concert and find about more about each act, call 1-800-767-4VHL or visit vhl.org/announce/09aware/bostonbenefit.php.

About Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

VHL is a genetic risk factor for a number of tumors, caused by a tiny misspelling in one copy of one gene, the VHL gene. People who carry this flaw are at increased risk for tumors of the retina, brain, spinal cord, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

About VHL Family Alliance

VHLFA is a non-profit organization that provides information for families and physicians about this disorder and local and online self-help support groups for families affected with VHL. It is dedicated to improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals and families affected by von Hippel-Lindau disease. Endorsed by the BBB and ICA as one of the Best Charities in America. www.vhl.org.

Media Contact:
Anita Kalathara
VHL Family Alliance
Telephone: 1-800-767-4845, Ext. 4
Fax: 1-858-712-9712
anita@vhl.org
development@vhl.org

VHL Family Alliance, 2001 Beacon St. Suite 208, Brighton, MA 02135.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, von hipple lindau, VHL Family Alliance

Volunteers Celebrate Earth Week at Special Equestrians

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:13:21 GMT

WARRINGTON, Pa., April 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Volunteers from Capmark Finance Inc, and Centocor Ortho Biotech Services LLC, worked over the course of two days at Special Equestrians painting the therapy and observation rooms, and planting gardens and building therapeutic equipment in the Sensory Trail. The teams' efforts were coordinated by Special Equestrians Program Director Anne Reynolds, "It was a pleasure to have these talented and skilled volunteers working to brighten our indoor environment and to bring our Sensory Trail ideas to life outdoors."

"The Sensory Trail plays a unique and powerful role in therapeutic riding lessons because it involves all the senses; the riders see, touch, hear, and smell new stimuli," says Executive Director Tammy Westney. "Since our riders may continue in the program through their childhood and into adulthood, we must constantly bring in new and exciting ways in which the riders can interact with and learn from their environment. The Sensory Trail is a fun and educational outdoor space for riders, both when they are on the horse, and when they are on the ground."

The volunteers from Capmark Finance and Centocor Ortho Biotech Services provided nearly 300 hours of services to Special Equestrians. The projects they completed would otherwise not have been done, these teams worked diligently to make the indoor and outdoor space appealing and inviting.

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit therapeutic riding program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience.

Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.

For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0429-SpecEqeus_72dpi.jpg)
*(Photo Caption: Pictured in photo are Centocor Ortho Biotech Services volunteers, who built the newest piece of equipment for the Sensory Trail.)

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties. Costs associated with dissemination of this news announcement were donated by Neotrope®.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, therapeutic horse riding, Special Equestrians

Over 250 Twin Cities Residents Will Participate in Innovative Academic Event Focused on Responsible Global Citizenship

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:26:28 GMT

SAINT PAUL, Minn., April 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, April 25, 2009, over 250 middle and high school students, volunteer judges, educational leaders and community guests from around the Twin Cities will convene at Macalester College in St. Paul to participate in Minnesota's First Annual World Affairs Challenge™, hosted by global education non-profit World Savvy in partnership with Macalester College's Institute for Global Citizenship.

The theme for this year's World Affairs Challenge is 6 Billion on the Move: Human Migration in a Global Society. Students from schools around the Twin Cities prepare comprehensive presentations with proposed solutions to issues as diverse as immigration policies in various countries, the impact of different economies on migration, and possible effects of urbanization and overpopulation.

"Home to some of the largest Hmong, Somali and Liberian populations in the U.S., there is no denying that the Twin Cities is a global community," explained Dana Curran, Executive Director of World Savvy. "The first annual Twin Cities World Affairs Challenge presents a unique opportunity for students to study a global issue in depth from a variety of perspectives and work with a group of their peers to suggest creative solutions to a particular problem."

At the World Affairs Challenge, students participate in four dynamic events. Leading up to the Challenge, students work in groups during the spring to develop a creative presentation and a descriptive poster. Students also study current affairs and world geography in preparation for a global awareness quiz, and practice their teamwork skills for a group problem-solving activity in which students are grouped with youth from other schools to solve a real-world scenario. On Challenge Day, these four activities - the presentation, the poster, the quiz, and the real-world problem-solving - give youth diverse opportunities to present their findings and opinions as well as to be listened to and respected by their peers and adults who serve as observers and judges.

Participating schools include:
- Aerospace at Cleveland, St. Paul
- Breck School, Minneapolis
- Crosswinds East Metro Arts and Science School, Woodbury
- Edina High School, Edina
- Highland Park Senior High, St. Paul
- Irondale High School, New Brighton
- Lighthouse Academy of Nations, Minneapolis
- Metcalf Junior High, Burnsville
- North View Junior High, Brooklyn Park
- Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Plymouth
- School of Environmental Studies, Apple Valley
- South High School, Minneapolis
- Southwest High School, Minneapolis
- The Blake School, Hopkins

Over the past seven years, over 3,000 students, teachers and volunteers have participated in San Francisco World Affairs Challenge hosted by World Savvy in partnership with San Francisco State University and the Center for Teaching International Relations in Denver. The success this annual event in San Francisco and other World Savvy programs in New York enabled the group to expand to Minnesota this year.

More information: www.worldsavvy.org.

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0417-WorldSavvy_72dpi.jpg)
*(Photo Caption: Challenge Participants.)

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, World Affairs Challenge, Macalester College

More Opportunities to Help Children - Including Kids in Foster Care

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:37:57 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The weight of the world falls upon all parentless children. That's why Children Awaiting Parents, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding adoptive families for children in foster care, is offering new ways for caring individuals to help parentless children.

"Our economy has changed but what children in foster care need has not changed at all," states Mark Soule, Executive Director of Children Awaiting Parents. "We are here to find a loving and supportive home for every child that waits in foster care. We know that children who 'age out' of the foster care system constitute the majority of all homeless youth and that 40 percent of foster children do not graduate from High School. These kids deserve better. They deserve parents."

Children Awaiting Parents now offers supporters the opportunity to sponsor recruitment for a waiting child for one year for $500, six months for $250, or one month for $45. For more information on these opportunities, please visit www.ChildrenAwaitingParents.org or call (888) 835-8802.

"Like all nonprofits in the nation, we are feeling the economic shift," according to Soule. "Our message to donors is simple, these children need families and we need their support to make that happen. 40 percent of children who "age out" of foster care will end-up needing welfare. Let's make the investment in their future now so that we can change that statistic."

In 37 years, Children Awaiting Parents has brought together more than 6,000 children and families throughout the United States.

About Children Awaiting Parents

Children Awaiting Parents, Inc. (CAP) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. CAP is a founding member of The Adoption Exchange Association and Voice for Adoption. Both are coalitions of organizations and child welfare advocates addressing the urgent needs of waiting children throughout the United States.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Children Awaiting Parents, finding adoptive families

IBD Website for Young Adults Offers Support for Living Independently

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:23:41 GMT

Children's Digestive Health & Nutrition Foundation and Starlight Children's Foundation Collaborate to Create 'IBDU: Graduating to Independence'

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Children's Digestive Health & Nutrition Foundation (CDHNF) and Starlight Children's Foundation announced the launch of "IBDU: Graduating to Independence" (www.ibdu.org) - a new resource for young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) who are preparing for college, vocational training, entrance into the workforce or living independently. The site provides answers for older teens and young adults to real life challenges and educational resources.

"Older teens and young adults with IBD may be faced with making a transition and need to adequately prepare to self-manage every day issues, flare ups, medications, insurance issues and communicating with a new team of health care providers," explained William Balistreri, MD, President of CDHNF. "With so many records to keep, decisions to be made and medical professionals to see, it is easy to become overwhelmed, confused and intimidated when patients are without parents or guardians, away from home or in an unfamiliar setting."

IBD is a complex disease, especially in the pediatric population. Although at risk of essentially every complication of IBD that adults face, children with IBD are also faced with a number of unique issues. Additionally, there are unique social aspects of IBD that are especially problematic for older teens, college bound patients and young adults who are about to transition to independent living.

"It's no secret that the teenage years are a particularly challenging time," said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight Children's Foundation. "When an older teen or young adult is also struggling with IBD such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease, transitioning into independent living can seem overwhelming, especially without a support network. We've created IBDU to reassure teens that they are not alone and that there are answers to their questions. The site will guide them to discover their autonomy."

The website includes a multitude of interactive features such as group discussions in the community, polls, and coming soon will be video stories related to IBD and coping skills.

Specifically, IBDU provides:
- Tips to improve self-management skills through video messages from real patients;
- Guidance for developing an action plan for dealing with IBD during this transitional period;
- Facts about various procedures and lab tests, traveling, different medications, their benefits and side effects; and how to continue to adhere to taking their medicines with their new lifestyles and schedules;
- Information to help them understand insurance and refill prescriptions;
- Guidance for transitioning to an adult gastroenterologist;
- Advice surrounding the importance of developing healthy habits including information about nutrition, alcohol, smoking and sexual activity; and
- Tips for becoming an advocate for their health, learning to ask questions, being assertive and taking responsibility.

IBDU is a complementary program to Starlight's UC and Crohn's (www.ucandcrohns.org) online program. Developed as a joint effort of Starlight and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, ucandcrohns.org connects teens from coast to coast who have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and provides them with helpful stories, video clips and tools. IBDU is a natural extension of the UC and Crohn's website for teens nearing the end of high school and also provides valuable information for professors, employers and parents.

Support for the IBDU website was provided by an unrestricted education grant from UCB, Inc.

About Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation

The Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation was established in 1998 by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) which represents 1500 pediatric gastroenterologists in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. CDHNF along with NASPHGAN, are the leading physician source of information on pediatric gastrointestinal, liver and nutritional issues. CDHNF is dedicated to improving the care of infants, children and adolescents with digestive disorders by promoting advances in clinical care, research and education. In addition to the pediatric IBD education campaign, CDHNF also provides resources on pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis, reflux and GERD and celiac disease. Additional information on CDHNF and NASPGHAN can be found at www.cdhnf.org and www.naspghan.org.

About Starlight Children's Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

*(LOGO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0415-IBDUbw_72dpi.jpg)

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0415-IBDUss_72dpi.jpg)

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties. Costs associated with dissemination of this news announcement were donated by Neotrope(R).

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Starlight Childrens Foundation, Crohns Disease

Photographer Chooses Special Equestrians as Her Special Project

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:35 GMT

WARRINGTON, Pa., April 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "I had no idea the first time I photographed for Special Equestrians that I would be so touched by the kids and the staff there," stated Rosemary Taglialatela, who came in contact with the organization during the Bucks County 5K Run last year when she was photographing the runners for the series, Special Equestrians held a race as part of the series; she's been coming back ever since.

"I grew up with horses, so the smell of the barn took me back to when I was a kid; but it's the kids that really touched my heart. Seeing the relationship they have with the horses and staff and how it makes a difference in the quality of their lives was eye opening. This is a special place full of special people and I am honored to be their photographer!"

"I was there to shoot a program a few weeks ago. During part of this program the kids on horses were brought up to mirrors and encouraged to make faces and smile as part of their social skills lesson. There is just no way of expressing how it felt when one of those children rode past me and smiled at me. That is a moment that will be with me forever." She has taken photos of the Sensory Trail, the Autism Program, and a Fundraiser held by the Warrington Community Alliance.

"Rosemary has a great eye for the shots she takes," says Tammy Westney, Executive Director of Special Equestrians. "She has taken photos that we have placed on our website and that we have given to the parents of our young riders, they are just beautiful."

Rosemary's work is currently showing at Art Bazaar in Chester NJ. She will be donating an art photograph to the Mercer Museum for their up coming auction event. She shoots portraits, commercial and events. "Recently I shot the Car and Flower Shows at the convention center and am shooting and documenting the behind the scenes of an up coming fashion show in Philly. Locally I will be shooting the Bucks County 5 K series again and will be shooting the Mercer Museum and Special Equestrians events. I am excited to have become the Warrington Community Business Alliance's house photographer as well."

Rosemary Taglialatela's work can be seen on Special Equestrians web site and Pentax Corporation's web site, as well as: www.2daysphotos.com
www.2daysphotos.zenfolio.com and www.weddingphotographybyrosemary.com.

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c)3 non-profit therapeutic riding program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.

For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org.

Rosemary can be reached at 215-918-1281 or mobile: 856-220-1218 rosemary@2daysphotos.com. She shoots portraiture, special events, model portfolio, fine art and weddings.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Special Equestrians, Rosemary Taglialatela

Californians Facing April 15th Tax Filing Deadline Encouraged to Make a Charitable Contribution on State Tax Form

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:12:34 GMT

Tax check-off program is a simple way to make a big difference

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As Californians face the annual April 15th tax filing deadline, it is important for taxpayers to remember how simple it can be to make a contribution to one or more worthwhile causes while completing their state tax return. California is one of 41 states that allow taxpayers to make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution in the "Contributions" section of their state tax return. Since 1984, California's tax check-off program (Checkoff California) has raised $85 million and provided critical funding to a diverse range of public health, social service, and environmental protection programs.

"Our Golden State is home to countless generous people dedicated to making a difference," stated California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his message for Checkoff California Month. "I encourage everyone filing their California tax return to continue this proud legacy of giving back by checking off certain boxes to fund some important causes."

The fifteen funds participating in California's tax check-off program are: Alzheimer's Disease/Related Disorders Fund, California Breast Cancer Research Fund, California Firefighters' Memorial Fund, California Military Family Relief Fund, California Fund for Senior Citizens, California Peace Officers' Memorial Fund, California Sea Otter Fund, California Seniors Special Fund, California State Children's Trust Fund, Rare and Endangered Species Prevention, Emergency Food Assistance Program, California Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Municipal Shelter Spay-Neuter Fund, California Cancer Research Fund, and ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease Research Fund.

The annual Checkoff California media campaign, now in its third year, reaches out to taxpayers and tax preparers to deliver the message that, regardless of income, everyone can help.

Media partners include the Northern California Broadcasters Association, Southern California Broadcasters Association, and the San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association. Corporate sponsorship of Checkoff California is provided for the third consecutive year by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, an industry leader providing full service individual, federal, and state income tax preparation nationwide, with more than 300 locations throughout California.

For more information, please visit www.checkoffcalifornia.org.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Checkoff California, nonprofit charity fundraiser

Corbin Bleu Signs on as National Spokesperson for Starlight Children's Foundation

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:08:12 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 31 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Starlight Children's Foundation is pleased to announce that Corbin Bleu is the new national spokesperson for the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

"Corbin has been a tireless supporter of Starlight for several years, and since our mission is very close to his heart, we are confident that he will present Starlight impeccably to the public," said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight. "But also on a personal level, I've seen him interact with our children, and he has a way of making each child feel like he's the only person in the room. That innate ability to connect heart-to-heart is Corbin's greatest gift to our cause."

Three years ago, Starlight introduced a group of young supporters termed "StarPower Ambassadors" (www.starlight.org/starpowerambassadors) -- youthful film and television actors, athletes and performers who commit to use their time, energy and initiative on behalf of seriously ill children and their families. Having been involved with Starlight even before this group was established, Corbin became an inaugural member and further devoted himself to brightening the lives of the seriously ill children that Starlight serves any way he could. He has spent countless hours with Starlight children both in and out of the hospital, has volunteered numerous hours of his time to support Starlight's programs, and has represented Starlight at various events, including serving as the host of last year's annual "A Stellar Night Gala."

At this year's A Stellar Night Gala (www.starlight.org/gala2009press) at the Beverly Hilton on Friday, March 27, Corbin Bleu was named the organization's new national spokesperson.

"The work of Starlight is truly inspiring," said Corbin. "It is a privilege for me to be able to represent an organization whose work has changed the lives of so many kids. I am proud to be representing them and their mission, but especially to participate in their amazing programs."

Corbin Bleu has set up a fundraising page where his fans can help him support Starlight at www.firstgiving.com/corbinbleu.

Corbin Bleu gained international attention as part of the cast of the Emmy-award winning Disney Channel original "High School Musical" movie series and has evolved into one of the world's hottest young talents. Bleu's second studio album, entitled "Speed of Light," was released this month and distributed by Hollywood Records. The first single from the album is "Moments That Matter." His solo debut, "Another Side," featured hit singles "Push it to the Limit" and "Deal With It" which both became a top 10 most downloaded songs on iTunes. Bleu's first single, "Push it to the Limit" debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Bleu will star in William Dear's "Free Style," as Cale Bryant, a young motocross racer looking to win the Amateur National Championships while supporting his family. Bleu's first leading film role was in Bart Freundlich's "Catch That Kid," opposite Kristen Stewart. He went on to star in Disney Channel films, "Jump In." Other film credits include Paul W.S. Anderson's "Soldier" with Kurt Russell; Dean Parisot's "Galaxy Quest" with Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver, and Kinka Usher's "Mystery Men" opposite Ben Stiller and Hank Azaria. On stage, Bleu starred in the Off-Broadway production of "Tiny Tim is Dead" as well as "Brothers of the Knight" with Debbie Allen. His numerous television credits include NBC's "Flight 29 Down," "ER" and Disney's "Hannah Montana." Bleu attended the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy as well as the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts as a theatre major.

About Starlight Children's Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

All trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective parties.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Starlight Childrens Foundation, Corbin Bleu

Myth vs Fact: Censor Bias? New Research Covers Culturally Misrepresented Groups: Gypsies, Jews, Indians, Mestizos, Arabs, Women

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:28:43 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas, March 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Feather Research Institute (www.eaglefeather.org) provides current research of different cultural groups that have been misrepresented via distorted or biased cultural histories due to political, racial or religious reasons.

The goal is to present factual cultural data that is not political; it purports to go beyond superficial layers of information and question the validity of sources. While society has progressed technologically, current scholars begin to question the more important civilizing elements that constitute a working and harmonious order. While censorship was notorious in the Middle Ages with the Inquisition, it is still present in varying and subtle ways among the cross section of institutions in the modern world.

Dr. Roberto Cintli Rodriguez, Research Associate at the University of Arizona states: "The work of Dr. Arnoldo Carlos Vento is both a treasure and unprecedented. The work I have been doing on the inter-connectedness of the continent via Maiz, was done by him a generation ago. His work and research are fascinating and I can only hope to build upon his work and the other Indigenous scholars. Additionally, he builds upon the work of his own mother, Adela Sloss Vento, what I term, a ceremonial discourse."

The new Website contains Educational Materials that are divided into five series: Pre-Columbian, Mexican, Chicano/Chicana, Native American and Ancient Cultures. Areas covered include Culture, History, Philosophy, Language, Literature, Medicine and Oral History. The listings of works are further divided into Abstract/Articles, Abstract/Books, Articles and Books. While most works are in English, some books and articles are in Spanish. Additional areas under News and TIPS include Historical Bits, Natural Health and Linguistic Nuances and News/Green Earth.

The Columns of Latest News and Newsletters provide a forum concerned with current issues: Nutrition, Health Risks, the Endangered Eco-system, Folk Music, and current as well as future projects.

Among the goals: stimulate thinking regarding long standing historical and cultural myths. Was scalping initiated by American Indians? Did Teddy Roosevelt charge on horseback up San Juan Hill? What role did the Inquisition play in the creation of history and modern myth regarding the Aztecs? Why did Americans refuse to eat tomatoes before 1830? Was the idea of Hell as eternal damnation known in the time of Jesus? Did the word "America" really originate with Albericus Vespucci (Almerigo, Americo)?

Among recent E books include works concerned with Native American and Western Worldviews in Collision, History and Culture of Mestizos, the Christian Crusades, Southwestern History, Mexican Intellectual History, Literary Anthologies, Memoirs of first Mexican American woman civil rights activist, in addition to literary and historical novels both in Spanish and English. Criticism, Poetry and Essays complete the genres. Archival photos of cultural movements add further to the listing.

For additional information contact: Arnoldo Carlos Vento, PhD, Executive Officer or visit eaglefeather.org and peruse the Bookstore.

About Eagle Feather Research Institute: Non-profit 501(c)3 educational Institute founded in 2002. The Institute provides educational research to the public sector: Educationists-Principals, teachers, students-legislators, the media, libraries and the general public. Founder: Arnoldo Carlos Vento, PhD, Emeritus Professor and an internationally published scholar.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Arnoldo Carlos Vento, Eagle Feather Research Institute

Sportswomen Applaud Suzy 'Chapstick' Chaffee's Title 1X 'Pioneering'

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:50:31 GMT

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo., March 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "To spirited applause by the 'phenomenal' female champions honored at the '35th Annual Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame Benefit' in Denver on March 8, Olympic skier Suzy Chaffee received the prestigious 'Pioneer Award' for helping their dreams come true. In 1975, Suzy led the Title 1X March in DC that led to giving equal opportunities to women in school sports," said guest Cleo Arellano (Apache), a Bank of Omaha executive and supporter of the Native American Olympic Team Foundation (NAOTF), co-founded by Chaffee.

Suzy's pioneering the first Ute Ski Program in Telluride 13 years ago, which snowballed and evolved into 25 Native Winter and Summer Olympic Hopefuls, also inspired cheers. Having coached Heads of State, this World Freestyle Champion/First Lady of Skiing is in Steamboat doing what she loves, dancing down mountains with Native "kids," like seven year old Lakota Delaney Tyon, defending National Nastar Ski Racing Champion, and Olympic teammate, Billy Kidd (Abenaki). Kidd gets gifted Natives coaching through their Steamboat Winter Sports Club, which produced 69 Alpine and Nordic Mainstream Olympians.

The victorious Tyon from Wounded Knee (poorest rez in America), said, "I won because so many helped me, including Derren Derosier, Terry Peak (SD) Ski School Director." (Rezriders.org "updatez")

Stanford's 2007 Nobel Laureate Climatologist skier, Dr Stephen Schneider, praised U.S. Ski areas for giving thousands of Native kids exciting alternatives to diabetes; and tribes gladly share how to live in more harmony with Nature, critical to rebalancing weather/snow.

While the stunning ski ballet this blond pioneered in the "Suzy Chapstick" commercials, helped put fun into American fitness, her new "Suzy Chaffee Naturals" 95-percent organic lip balm (created with The Vt. Country Store Catalog), walks the talk of California scientists and tribal Elders: Follow Europe and Maine in switching to all natural products to cut cancer and glacier-melting pollution in half! (See "Top 10 Toxins To Upgreen" on www.snow-riders.org).

Suzy says all Americans can get "lean and clean" by also trying stevia, a natural sweetener that doesn't raise blood sugar. After inspiring Nunaturals to make tasty Nustevia a Native American Olympic Team Sponsor, "good morning America" dubbed stevia the "holy grail of sweeteners," and Coke(R) and Pepsi(R) have also starting using stevia extract.

Tribes see that combining healthy sweeteners with fun sports opportunities, especially for girls/moms who get families healthy, can save billions in healthcare and welfare, just as title 1x has since saved America a trillion - key to free health insurance.

NAOTF is a Tucson 501(c)3 partnership of U.S. Tribal Leaders and Olympians "creating joyful unity through sports to heal earth for all children." Special thanks to Neotrope's Send2Press.com.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Olympian Suzy Chaffee, Native American Olympic Team

Largest Academic Event for San Francisco Students Prepares Middle and High School Participants for Responsible Global Citizenship

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:35:49 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, March 14, 2009, over 500 middle and high school students from Northern California schools will convene at San Francisco State University to compete in the largest annual academic event for San Francisco area students. Over 1,000 middle and high school students, volunteer judges, educational leaders, and community guests are expected to take part in the seventh annual World Affairs Challenge(TM) hosted by San Francisco-based global education non-profit World Savvy.

The central topic of this year's World Affairs Challenge is human migration. Students from 28 local schools have prepared comprehensive presentations (which include proposed solutions) on issues as diverse as immigration policies in various countries, the impact of different economies on migration, and possible effects of urbanization and overpopulation.

"To ensure the competitiveness of our workforce, improve our country's image on the world stage, and build a peaceful and sustainable world, we will need a new generation of leaders who fully understand and can articulate how interconnected - and interdependent - we are globally," explained Dana Curran, Executive Director of World Savvy. "The World Affairs Challenge presents a unique opportunity for students to study a global issue in depth from a variety of perspectives and work with a group of their peers to suggest creative solutions to a particular problem."

At the World Affairs Challenge, students will participate in four separate events. Students prepare a 15-minute presentation and present a descriptive poster in groups of 7 to 12. Students also study current affairs and world geography in preparation for a quiz, and practice their teamwork skills for a group problem-solving activity in which students are grouped with youth from other schools to solve a real-world scenario. These four activities - the presentation, the poster, the quiz, and the real-world problem-solving - give youth diverse opportunities to present their findings and opinions as well as to be listened to and respected by their peers and adults who serve as observers and judges.

"The World Affairs Challenge gives San Francisco students an excellent opportunity to develop the global awareness that more and more leading employers are citing as one of the most sought after traits," Mark Sanchez, former President of the San Francisco Unified School Board. "By teaching students how to think about global issues rather than what to think about global issues, the World Affairs Challenge gives students valuable critical thinking skills which will enable them to become engaged global citizens."

World Savvy is proud to welcome its 2,500th participating student to its seventh annual event in San Francisco and encourages interested community members and media representatives to attend the event.

For more information, contact Bryn Murray at (415) 292-7421 or bryn@worldsavvy.org or visit www.worldsavvy.org.

About World Savvy

World Savvy is a global education nonprofit with the mission to educate and engage youth in community and world affairs, to prepare them to learn, work and live as responsible global citizens in the 21st century. Serving youth ages 10-18 and educators, World Savvy offers three core programs: Global Youth Media and Arts Program (MAP), World Affairs Challenge(TM) (WAC), and Global Educators Program (GEP). Additionally, the Global Affairs Monitor (GAM), an online, subscription-based current events service, provides an in-depth report on an issue or region of global importance. Since its inception in 2002, World Savvy has grown from serving 25 teachers and 100 youth to serving more than 750 teachers and 5,400 youth in 2008-09, with offices in San Francisco, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and New York.

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated by Neotrope(R).

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, global education nonprofit, World Affairs Challenge

New Group for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:26:08 GMT

WARRINGTON, Pa., Feb. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Special Equestrians is proud to announce the launch of a new program for children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. "We successfully completed a pilot of this program and were so pleased with the results that we are opening the group to our currently enrolled riders." Deb Saffern, one of the Occupational Therapists who works at Special Equestrians attributes the groups success to "the social interaction between the children, the one-on-one attention each child receives, along with the repetition of activities, and the variety of activities."

The multi-sensory components of this group include therapeutic horseback riding, life skills exercises, communication games, use of our sensory trail, and writing with the Handwriting without Tears(R) method.

Anne Reynolds, Program Director offered her observation on the programs success: "Each lesson plan has the ability to complement the fundamental work we already do with riders on the autism spectrum. Our therapeutic riding students are able to benefit from the varied sensory input they receive from the horse, the spatial experience as they move on the horse's back, and the communication they impart to the horse in giving directions."

The goals of the program are to improve basic life skills, and enhance the ability to improve academics. The group runs for one hour in length. Half an hour is mounted, and half an hour is spent working with our occupational therapists. A parent of one of our students, Joe O'Hara found the most valuable aspects of the program were the social aspect, and helping his son focus on a task while improving his fine and gross motor skills. "The fact that he comes here and works on things that are very hard for him and he enjoys it is a reward in itself."

If you are interested in learning more about the services Special Equestrians offers you can visit our website at specialequestrians.org or call our office at 215-918-1001. Special Equestrians has been in operation for 26 years, offering hope one rider at a time.

About Special Equestrians

Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c)3 non-profit therapeutic riding program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year. For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our website at www.specialequestrians.org.

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated by Neotrope(R).

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IMAGE DOWNLOAD FOR MEDIA:
* 300dpi 4x5 image download:
http://send2press.com/photobay/09-0225-SE-Finney_300dpi.jpg

* Caption/Cutline: Jack Blair sits astride therapy horse Bear during the mounted segment of the Autism Program at Special Equestrians. He is assisted by volunteers Jacob Feldman, and Janice Sina.

TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Special Equestrians, therapy horse

Starlight Children's Foundation's Annual 'A Stellar Night' Gala Honors Teri Hatcher and Nintendo of America and its President, Reggie Fils-Aime

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:58:24 GMT

Jazz Great and Starlight Global Ambassador Dave Koz will Host the Evening, Starlight Spokesperson Jamie Lee Curtis will Present the Awards, and Corbin Bleu and Chef Jeff Henderson will make a Special Appearance

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Starlight Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org) will present Teri Hatcher with its 2009 "Heart of Gold Award" at the organization's annual "A Stellar Night" gala, presented by California Pizza Kitchen, on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 7 p.m. at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Starlight's "Jacki Carlish Humanitarian of the Year Award" will be bestowed upon Nintendo of America and its President and COO, Reggie Fils-Aime. Starlight spokesperson Jamie Lee Curtis will present the awards, and Corbin Bleu and Chef Jeff Henderson will make a special appearance.

Hosted by Dave Koz, chaired by Starlight supporters board member Sarah Grover and CAA television executive Danny Grover, John Rosenberg and David Getson of gNet-Media, "A Stellar Night" will spotlight inspirational stories from Starlight families and pay tribute to humanitarians who are helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation.

Famous for its Very Important Kid (VIK) Lounge, "A Stellar Night" invites adults to bring children to teach them firsthand about the importance of philanthropy and to share with them the impact that Starlight's programs have on families with seriously ill children...brightening their world, a little each day. Game Crazy is sponsoring this year's VIK Lounge.

Additional sponsors of "A Stellar Night" include Colgate-Palmolive Company, Nintendo of America Inc. and The Walt Disney Company. Further celebrity guests will be confirmed as the event nears.

Adult tickets are $500, children's tickets are $100, and both can be purchased at www.starlight.org/gala2009.

About Starlight Children's Foundation

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone.

Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.

To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

Costs associated with the dissemination of this news announcement were donated by Neotrope®.

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TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Starlight Childrens Foundation, seriously ill children