EIN Presswire: Autism Live Feed Press Releases

Merz Aesthetics Unveils Grand Prize Winner of the Stand and Deliver Program

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Merz Aesthetics Unveils Grand Prize Winner of the Stand and Deliver Program

America Chooses Michelle Rubin to Receive $10,000 to Help Support Her Non-Profit Autism After 21

PR Newswire

SAN MATEO, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Merz Aesthetics, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection in the U.S., announces Michelle Rubin as the grand prize winner of the "STAND AND DELIVER" program, an initiative created to honor women who take a stand and make a difference in their communities. Michelle Rubin, founder and director of Autism After 21, a nonprofit 501(c) organization which provides opportunities and services for autistic adults over the age of 21 in Boca Raton, Fla., will receive a donation of $10,000 to her organization and her choice of beauty treatments by a top dermatologist in her local community.

Michelle, who was chosen by a nationwide vote via the campaign's website www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver, is a woman who proved that she stands and delivers for her cause. With more than two decades of service to the autistic community and a mother of a 22-year old autistic son, Michelle identified the need for programs to help autistic adults over the age of 21. Michelle was nominated by Molly Murphy, one of the committee members of Autism After 21, noting that "Michelle is an inspiration to parents, community leaders and others through her comprehensive understanding of the needs of the autistic community and her determination to meet those needs one individual at a time."

"I am amazed by the outpouring of support and honored to have been chosen as this year's winner of the STAND AND DELIVER program which was sponsored by Merz Aesthetics," says Michelle Rubin. "This is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm honored to have the chance to donate $10,000 to Autism After 21 in hopes that we will be able to provide young adults with autism the life skills and training they need to independently live full and functioning lives within our community."

Merz Aesthetics, the exclusive distributor of Asclera® (polidocaol) in partnership with an advisory panel of Rhonda Smith, Founder of Breast Cancer Partner; Linda Meacham, Volunteer at Fisherman's Mark; Janey Russell, Founder of SHINE ON Tucson, who were selected for their abilities to stand and deliver, conducted a nationwide search for women who are changing their communities through support of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Following a nomination period, the advisory panel selected three finalists that are committed to their communities and work hard to make an impact. The three finalists' stories were featured on the contest website and from February 20 through April 15, 2012, the public had the opportunity to vote for the woman they felt best deserved the grand prize. To learn more about the advisory panel and the three finalists, visit the campaign's website at www.Asclera.com/standanddeliver.

"On behalf of Merz Aesthetics and the Asclera brand, I commend Michelle Rubin for her hard work and commitment to her organization, Autism After 21," said Pat Altavilla, Vice President, Global Marketing at Merz Aesthetics, Inc. "Merz Aesthetics is pleased to be able to present her with a $10,000 donation to her organization and a consultation with a top dermatologist of her choice. Michelle is an example to us all and a dedicated woman that defines exactly what it means to make a real difference in people's lives. We look forward to working with Michelle to support the STAND AND DELIVER initiative next year and continue to celebrate inspirational women across the U.S."

To learn more about Michelle's story and the two other finalists, Sara Finger, executive director of Wisconsin's Alliance for Women's Health and Carol Burnett, community outreach and recruitment coordinator of Long Island Head Start, visit the "Meet the Finalists" section on the program's website at http://www.asclera.com/standanddeliver/finalists.cfm.

About Asclera®

The FDA approved Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection on March 30, 2010 to sclerose uncomplicated spider veins (varicose veins less than or equal to 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated reticular veins (varicose veins 1 to 3 mm in diameter) in the lower extremity, making it the first sclerosant to be approved by FDA in over 60 years.

About Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics, Inc. is part of the Merz Pharma Group. Merz Aesthetics, with headquarters in San Mateo, California, partners with Merz Aesthetics business units in 16 countries and cooperates with more than 30 distributors worldwide.

Founded in 1908 by Friedrich Merz, Merz introduced the world's first anti-wrinkle treatment in 1953 after conducting extensive research on the effects of revitalizing skin care essences. As part of the Merz Pharma Group of companies, Merz Aesthetics leverages more than a century of Merz's healthcare expertise with its products and unparalleled service to the field of aesthetic dermatology. The Merz legacy continues today with Merz Aesthetics' innovative portfolio of products.

Indication:

Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins </= 1 mm in diameter)
Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins

Asclera® has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

For intravenous use only.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is contraindicated for patients with known allergy (anaphylaxis) to polidocanol and patients with acute vein and blood clotting diseases.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized. Please notify your healthcare provider if you have a known history of severe allergies or allergy to polidocanol.

Accidental injection into an artery can cause severe necrosis, ischemia or gangrene. If this occurs, consult your healthcare provider or a vascular surgeon immediately.

Unintentional injection of Asclera outside of the vein can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected by your healthcare provider.

Severe adverse local effects, including tissue necrosis, may occur following flow of the product outside of the vein; therefore, the smallest effective volume at each injection site should be used.

After the injection session is completed, apply compression with a stocking or bandage, and walk for 15- 20 minutes. Your healthcare provider will provide monitoring during this period to treat any possible anaphylactic or allergic reactions.

Maintain compression for 2 to 3 days after treatment of spider veins and for 5 to 7 days for reticular veins, or as directed by your Healthcare Provider. For extensive varicosities, longer compression treatment with compression bandages or a gradient compression stocking of a higher compression class is recommended. Post-treatment compression is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical studies, the following adverse reactions were observed after using Asclera® and were more common with Asclera® than placebo: injection site hematoma, injection site irritation, injection site discoloration, injection site pain, injection site itching, injection site warmth, neovascularization, injection site clotting.

You are encouraged to report any suspected adverse events. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact your Healthcare Provider, Merz Aesthetics at 1-866-862-1211, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please talk to your healthcare provider should you have any questions about Asclera®

SOURCE Merz Aesthetics

Immune cells "sculpt" circuits in the brain -- by eating away excess connections

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Immune cells "sculpt" circuits in the brain -- by eating away excess connections

PR Newswire

Findings offer a fresh look at developmental and degenerative brain diseases

BOSTON, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We're born with our brains prewired, but as information comes in from our environment, this circuitry is updated. A study from Boston Children's Hospital provides a new glimpse of how this happens: Brain cells known as microglia, tuned into the crosstalk between neurons, literally engulf unnecessary connections, known as synapses, and prune them away.

The study, led by Beth Stevens, PhD, and Dori Schafer, PhD, of the Department of Neurology and the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Boston Children's Hospital, is the first to capture microglia, previously thought of as immune cells, in the act of eliminating synapses in the healthy, developing brain. The study further shows that microglia take their cues from neurons' activity patterns and from a set of signals called the complement cascade, used by the immune system to rid the body of unwanted pathogens and debris. When complement signaling is disrupted, pruning of synapses is diminished.

The findings, reported online May 23 in the journal Neuron, may have implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases in which synapses are lost, or developmental disorders such as autism in which synapses are dysfunctional.

Microglia were once thought to play mainly a supportive role in the brain, protecting against disease. Only recently have scientists begun to recognize their involvement in healthy brain development.

"They're gatekeepers that are extremely responsive to changes in the environment," says Stevens, senior investigator on the study. "They're in the brain all the time it's wiring up, and they can move and sense changes in activity."

Stevens first showed in 2007 that defects in the complement system inhibit pruning of synapses, and that neurons are loaded with complement proteins soon after birth -- just when pruning is at its peak. In the new paper, she and Schafer demonstrate that microglia have receptors that recognize the complement protein C3 – the same protein found on synapses that are destined for elimination.

"We think that weaker synapses are being tagged with C3, and that microglia are eliminating them just as macrophages would eliminate bacteria," says Schafer, first author on the paper. "C3 is like an 'eat me' signal."

Mice lacking C3 receptors, or whose microglia had these receptors blocked with a drug, did not eliminate weaker synapses, the researchers showed.

Because microglia are so active, the researchers tracked their activity in mice, using dyes as tracers, and focused on the visual system connecting the eyes and brain, because it is well understood and relatively easy to manipulate.

Stevens thinks that their findings might shed light on diseases that involve synapse loss or dysfunction. In neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, scientists have noted subtle changes in synapses that might cause them to be targeted for elimination. In the healthy adult brain, microglia are in a resting state, but in these diseases, both microglia and the complement system become activated. Stevens and Schafer speculate that targeting microglia, their complement receptors or complement proteins themselves could prevent synapse loss in these diseases.

There are also data suggesting that microglia and/or the complement cascade may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, epilepsy or schizophrenia, perhaps altering the brain's normal balance of synapses.

"All this is still very speculative," Stevens cautions. "We first need to understand normal development."

The study was funded by the Smith Family Foundation, the Dana Foundation, the John Merck Scholars Program, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an NIH National Research Service Award, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institutes of Health.

Boston Children's Hospital is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 1,100 scientists, including nine members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and nine members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Boston Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children's today is a 395 bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. Boston Children's also is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information about research and clinical innovation at Boston Children's, visit: http://vectorblog.org.

CONTACT:
Meghan Weber
Boston Children's Hospital
617-919-3110
meghan.weber@childrens.harvard.edu

SOURCE Boston Children's Hospital

Fine Wine Made Exclusively for Jenny McCarthy and Only Available Through Cellar Angels

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Fine Wine Made Exclusively for Jenny McCarthy and Only Available Through Cellar Angels

A Rare Wine Purchasing and Charity Supporting Opportunity Presents Itself for Five Days Only When Cellar Angels Features the Blanchard Family Pinot Gris Made Exclusively for Jenny McCarthy's Autism Charity Generation Rescue

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenny McCarthy is a mother, model, actress, author of a series of New York Times Best-selling books and relentless activist for autism through her charity Generation Rescue. Starting today and through May 26, she's being honored with a custom wine made exclusively for Generation Rescue available only through online wine company Cellar Angels. The wine will be served only once in public at the 5th annual Rescue Our Angels event May 24th held in Chicago and put on by Peter and Michele Doyle, Chicago residents who founded Rescue Our Angels to raise money for autism awareness.

The wine, a 2011 Pinot Gris, was sourced from a small vineyard in the Russian River Valley, a famed location in the County of Sonoma, CA. Blanchard Family Wines produced less than 75 cases specifically to help Generation Rescue raise funds for families suffering with autism spectrum disorders. To learn more about the wine and purchase, go to http://www.cellarangels.com.

Blanchard Family Wines had previous experience with both Generation Rescue and their charity partner Cellar Angels, so working together at a single event was a natural progression. For Cellar Angels President Martin Cody, the winery, the cause and the wine make perfect sense.

"Blanchard Family is a terrific story themselves producing hand-crafted wines from exceptional vineyard locations. This Pinot Gris is the perfect warm weather wine as it has a radiant brightness, crisp aromas of citrus groves and fresh flowers and just a brilliant taste. It's truly a fine wine and at this price-point it's a terrific wine buy for an incredible cause," he said.

Both Blanchard Family Wine and Cellar Angels are donating portions of proceeds to Generation Rescue.

"I'm very excited to attend this event. It's families like our hosts the Doyles and companies like Blanchard Family Wines and Cellar Angels paying it forward and making a lasting impact," said Jenny McCarthy, the guest of honor for the evening's event.

For tickets to the event on Thursday, May 24th, go to http://www.RescueOurAngels.com.

About Cellar Angels

Cellar Angels was created by a compassionate group of wine-lovers intent on changing the world through wine. Their mission is simple: connect small, artisanal wine producers to larger audiences, expose wine-lovers to exclusive purchase opportunities from partnering boutique wineries and raise money for a select group of charities. They love wine, love introducing others to great wine and love making a difference. Cellar Angels provides an opportunity to accomplish all three.

About Generation Rescue and "Rescue Our Angels"

Every year, Generation Rescue helps more than 25,000 families affected by autism by providing education, support and medical assistance, directly improving children's quality of life. With mentors in 38 countries around the world, services include a toll-free hotline, medical grants, parent mentors and conferences. The Rescue Our Angels event was founded by Michele and Pete Doyle in honor of their daughter Caelan, who was diagnosed with autism in November of 2006. Caelan, now 10, has responded positively to treatments. Now in its 5th year, the event raises money to help fund treatment for families affected by autism.

About Blanchard Family Wines

As children, these two brothers were so closely associated with one another, they were often known simply as the Blanchard Boys. But as the brothers grew older, their lives led them on different paths. James went to the Air Force Academy, became a military officer and helicopter pilot, and proceeded to start a family. Mark studied poetry, moved to California, and pursued aspirations of working in Wine Country. As they both discovered a mutual passion for fine wines, the Blanchard Boys came together again under this dream. This family business is the vision of two brothers who wish to share rare, hand-crafted, artisan wines with the world.

SOURCE Cellar Angels

4th Annual Walk With Me Albany Providing Family Fun, Recreation, and Fundraising for Easter Seals New York's Disability Services

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:17:21 +0000

4th Annual Walk With Me Albany Providing Family Fun, Recreation, and Fundraising for Easter Seals New York's Disability Services

PR Newswire

Saturday, May 19th, 2012, 11:00 AM at Washington Park, Albany, NY

ALBANY, N.Y., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Local residents, companies, organizations and politicians are slated to come together for Easter Seals New York's 4th Annual Walk With Me Albany event at Washington Park. The 2.5 mile family fun walk/run will raise funds for the Easter Seals New York programs for those with disabilities and other special needs at Camp Colonie in Cohoes, New York. Camp Colonie is a seven week-long summer camp that integrates special needs children with typically developing children to provide a positive learning and social experience for all involved.

CVS Caremark is the national premier sponsor, Amway is the national presenting sponsor, Century 21 is the national founding sponsor, and MassMutual is the regional sponsor for Easter Seals New York's Walk With Me Albany event. Additional regional support comes from sponsors such as Wilson Elser, A.C.Moore Arts and Crafts, and Starbucks. In-kind donations of food, water, and other beverages will be provided by Chobani Yogurt, Kohl's, New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Starbucks, Papa John's, and Pepsi.

Each walker will have an opportunity to meet and walk with Easter Seals New York Honorary Ambassadors who are campers at Camp Colonie, as well as Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings who will also be in attendance. Camp Colonie has two program options that work together to help campers reach their highest potential and meet individual goals: a full day recreational camp program and a "School Without Walls" program. "School Without Walls" is the only State Department of Education certified program of its kind in New York, allowing Easter Seals New York to work with area school districts to serve students with disabilities in a camp setting along with their typically developing peers.

"Easter Seals New York is so grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors, board members, and supporters who have made Camp Colonie possible," commented Richard Lauricella, Chairman of the Capital District Regional Board. "Their generosity has made it possible for children with disabilities or special needs to have a warm, fun, dynamic summer environment to play and learn in!"

Easter Seals New York's mission is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their communities. "Camp Colonie promotes recreation and learning in a nurturing and supportive environment that allows the campers to grow. It is an exceptional summer experience," says John W. McGrath, MPA, Executive Director, Development, Easter Seals New York.

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For over 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Last year, Easter Seals New York positively impacted the lives of 18,000 individuals throughout New York State.

For more information about Easter Seals New York or Walk With Me Albany, call (518) 456-0828 or visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact:
Kevin Mullen
(518) 456-0828
kmullen@eastersealsny.org

SOURCE Easter Seals New York

Non-toxic, Biodegradable Yoga Mats Designed By Kulae For Jenny McCarthy's Autism Charity, Generation Rescue

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Non-toxic, Biodegradable Yoga Mats Designed By Kulae For Jenny McCarthy's Autism Charity, Generation Rescue

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kulae has teamed up with Jenny McCarthy's autism organization, Generation Rescue, to support children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder. To celebrate the partnership, a co-branded blue and grey eco-friendly/non-toxic yoga mat has been created which is available for sale on the Kulae website.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120517/DC07905 )

Kulae tpECOmats are 100% biodegradable, 100% recyclable, and contain NO PVC, latex, cadmium, lead or rubber which is especially beneficial for individuals with sensory issues, skin sensitivities and allergies.

In the spirit of living their mission and mantra "karma's real," each year Kulae selects a charitable organization and makes a generous donation. Kulae believes in social responsibility and is proud to support the autism community through this new partnership.

"Supporting Autism is very meaningful to the Kulae team as each staff member either knows or has a relative that is affected with an autism spectrum disorder. This is not just a typical donation. We dedicate all of our charitable donations to Generation Rescue because we truly want to make a difference any way we can," says Greg Egan and Jeff McSharry, Partners at Kulae.

"The culture we strive to maintain in our organization is that of living green and maintaining balance in our lives while working hard to support families in need. Jenny McCarthy and the team at Generation Rescue all practice different forms of yoga. We even converted one of our offices into a yoga studio so that when life gets busy we can take a quick moment to re-energize," says Candace McDonald, of Generation Rescue.

About Kulae:
Kulae practices a twofold mission to provide the most stylish and eco-friendly yoga gear on the planet while truly living by their mantra "karma's real."

The name Kulae was derived from the word kula. Kula is a word from the Sanskrit language meaning community. The letter "e" in Sanskrit pluralizes a word like the letter "s" in the English language. This is why an "e" was added to the end of kula, forming Kulae. Kulae is a meaning of communities coming and working together to help maintain healthy people on a healthy planet.

About Generation Rescue:
Generation Rescue is dedicated to recovery for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders by providing support for medical treatment to improve the quality of life for families in need.

Inspired by the journey of their son, Jamison, JB & Lisa Handley founded Generation Rescue in 2005. When Jenny McCarthy's son was diagnosed with autism, she found the website which guided her to the resources and support that eventually contributed to the success of healing her son Evan. In an effort to inspire and help the thousands of families facing the same struggles she faced, Jenny became the President of the organization in 2008.

Today, over 25,000 families a year are helped through mentors, a toll-free hotline, a grant program and a national conference.

Contacts
Candace McDonald
Generation Rescue
818.990.0444
candace.mcdonald@generationrescue.org

Jeff McSharry
Kulae
781-561-7366
jeff@kulae.com

SOURCE Generation Rescue

Lineagen Completes 9000-Person Study Focused on Genetic Variants in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Lineagen Completes 9000-Person Study Focused on Genetic Variants in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

- Lineagen's next-generation FirstStepDx® genetic test to incorporate novel variants; launch planned for as early as fourth quarter of 2012 -

PR Newswire

SALT LAKE CITY, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lineagen today announced the Company completed the testing portion of a 9,000-person research study designed to confirm novel copy number genetic variants and novel next-generation sequence variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These variants were discovered by Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D., and his team at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)'s Center for Applied Genomics and by Mark F. Leppert, Ph.D., and his team at the University of Utah's Department of Human Genetics. In partnership with Affymetrix, Lineagen has incorporated these novel variants into the next generation of its FirstStepDx genetic testing service, which combines highly advanced genetic testing with fully integrated genetic counseling to accelerate and enhance the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with ASD, developmental delay (DD), and intellectual disability (ID), and help physicians better direct clinical management for these individuals. The launch of Lineagen's next generation FirstStepDx is expected to coincide with peer-review publication of the study results as early as the fourth quarter of 2012.

Lineagen was granted an exclusive commercial license to these novel genetic variants as part of separate broad license and research collaborations with CHOP and the University of Utah to improve the understanding of the genetic contributors to ASD. Notably, the exclusively licensed markers from CHOP, published in Nature and PLoS Genetics, were named by TIME magazine as one of the top ten medical breakthroughs of 2009.

Dr. Hakonarson, Director of CHOP's Center for Applied Genomics, commented, "Recent clinical literature has demonstrated that patients with positive findings on chromosomal microarray (CMA) can experience significant changes in clinical management. By incorporating CHOP's genetic variants, which may account for up to 15% of ASD cases, Lineagen has developed a CMA platform to test for these variants, thereby providing clinicians with information that may affect the way patients with ASD, DD, and ID are evaluated and managed clinically."

Dr. Leppert, Distinguished Professor at the University of Utah's Department of Human Genetics, said, "We are very encouraged by the productivity to date of the research program with Lineagen. The ability to replicate in the general population the findings from our collaboration is a major step in understanding the genetic markers associated with ASD. We look forward to the continued success of the program and to the further refinement of Lineagen's FirstStepDx genetic test."

Michael S. Paul, Ph.D., Lineagen's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are further refining our product, to incorporate these ground-breaking discoveries into our next-generation high-density array, and these will differentiate FirstStepDx further by increasing the number of genetic variants known the be associated with ASD. If there are positive results from this large study, which we cannot determine until the research is completed, Lineagen's next-generation FirstStepDx will offer the ability to identify more than 100 novel genetic markers associated with ASD."

About FirstStepDx

Lineagen's FirstStepDx and related autism-risk screening services (www.m-chat.org) have been developed with the specific intention of helping physicians, patients, and families navigate the diagnostic evaluation "odyssey" of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related forms of developmental delay more efficiently. FirstStepDx includes personal genetic counseling, the most advanced CMA and Fragile X genetic testing clinically available, analysis by medical experts, and a detailed, personalized report created specifically for each individual's case. FirstStepDx is specifically designed to help parents, physicians, and other healthcare providers significantly shorten the time to clinical action, allowing access to proven clinical management and treatment approaches as early as possible.

The FirstStepDx genetic test now is available as a fast and painless cheek swab (FirstStepDx Buccal), eliminating the need for a blood draw. For more information about FirstStepDx, please call Lineagen at 888-888-OPEN (888-888-6736) or visit www.FirstStepDx.com.

About Lineagen

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lineagen's mission is to accelerate and enhance the diagnostic evaluation of medical conditions so that the best possible outcomes can be achieved for patients and their families. Our first commercial offering, FirstStepDx, provides physicians with a fully integrated genetic testing, counseling, and developmental screening service to aid in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with ASD or other forms of developmental delay. In addition to our deep commitment to ASD and developmental delay, we have ongoing scientific programs in the areas of multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

For additional information, please visit www.lineagen.com.

Contacts:

Burns McClellan on behalf of Lineagen
Justin Jackson
jjackson@burnsmc.com
Michelle Szwarcberg
mszwarcberg@burnsmc.com
212-213-0006

SOURCE Lineagen

KCET Announces National Syndication Deal With APT to Distribute 'Your Turn to Care' Hosted by Holly Robinson Peete

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

KCET Announces National Syndication Deal With APT to Distribute 'Your Turn to Care' Hosted by Holly Robinson Peete

PR Newswire

Multi-platform SERIES represents KCET's first large-scale national distribution initiative since becoming independent

Caregiving series features leading experts on aging, including acclaimed author Gail Sheehy, as well as personal stories from Patricia Richardson, Monica Potter, Hector Elizondo, Robert David Hall, Sandra Tsing Loh and Steve Lopez.

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station serving Southern and Central California, has announced a syndication agreement with American Public Television (APT) to distribute its original series on caregiving, Your Turn to Care, hosted by Holly Robinson Peete. The unique multi-platform series can be seen on public television stations across the country beginning July 1, 2012. Your Turn to Care represents KCET's first large-scale national distribution initiative since becoming independent.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/DC07782LOGO)

Your Turn to Care explores the challenges facing America's growing generation of baby boomers who are taking care of ailing or aging loved ones. APT will distribute four 30-minute Your Turn to Care programs that focus on the caregiving journey, as told by the caregivers themselves. Their personal stories offer hope as well as solutions and resources. To date, more than 70 public television stations have placed the series in their schedules.

Your Turn to Care episodes will also air on producing station KCET in Los Angeles, the country's 2nd largest market. The series aired in its entirety on KCET this spring and 12 segments also ran on its award-winning news magazine SoCal Connected.

Viewers can also access the program's robust companion web site where the series can be seen in its entirety along with additional content provided through 50 videos and 40 articles (www.yourturntocare.org). This video-rich web content includes extended interviews and back stories / updates on the participants, helpful links and resources as well as tips from guest experts.

"We are pleased to be able to share this exceptional series with stations everywhere as caregiving has become an increasingly important part of a national dialogue," said Bret Marcus, KCET's chief content officer. "These are remarkably complicated issues affecting millions of people every day. We are confident the series will help viewers carve out their own approach to handling some of these very difficult and emotional caregiving challenges and not feel alone in the process."

One third of the U.S. adult population plays a caregiver role including 31% of all households. These caregivers provide an average of 20 hours of care per week, according to a recent study by the MetLife Foundation.

Host Robinson Peete, an acclaimed actress and award-winning author, shares her own experiences of caring for her father who had Parkinson's disease. Viewers will also hear personal caregiving stories from Patricia Richardson (Home Improvement), Monica Potter (Parenthood), Hector Elizondo (Last Man Standing), Robert David Hall (CSI Crime Scene Investigation), Sandra Tsing Loh (NPR's Morning Edition, KPCC) and Steve Lopez (Los Angeles Times columnist).

In addition, several expert voices across Southern California help contextualize complex caregiving issues for viewers. They include:

Gail Sheehy, best-selling author of 16 books on key passages of adulthood, including her most recent, Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence
Dr. Gary Small, a renowned expert at UCLA who studies longevity, aging, Alzheimer's prevention and memory, and best-selling author of seven books, including The Alzheimer's Prevention Program
Professor Fernando Torres-Gil, director of the Center for Policy Research on Aging at UCLA, and author of more than 80 articles and six books, including The New Aging: Politics and Change in America
Dawn Clark-Johnson, eldercare attorney
Shawn Herz, Director, Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center
Molly Forrest, Director, LA Jewish Home

Your Turn to Care is produced by KCET with executive producer Margaret Hussey, and Bret Marcus, KCET's chief content officer. The initiative is made possible by MetLife Foundation, California Community Foundation, The Lippey Family Trust and Gladyce L. Foster. For more information, please visit: http://www.kcet.org/shows/yourturntocare/about/

ABOUT HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE
Actress, author, talk show host, activist and philanthropist, Holly Robinson Peete has been touched by the entertainment industry all of her life. Her television career as an actress dates back nearly three decades. Her life experience has led her to becoming a voice for her father, her son and her community.

In 1996, Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, formed the HollyRod Foundation, inspired by her father's courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, with the mission to help improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's. Then in 2005, inspired by their oldest son's autism diagnosis, HollyRod Foundation's mission expanded to provide access to treatment, support and other resources to disenfranchised families affected by autism. Through HollyRod Foundation and her family's personal experiences, Robinson Peete has become an advocate for consistent and reliable education, support and compassionate care for both Parkinson's and autism.

Her autism advocacy also extends to her book co-written with daughter, Ryan Elizabeth Peete. In 2010, they released their award winning children's picture book about autism from the sibling's perspective, entitled My Brother Charlie (Scholastic). A follow up book exploring autism and adolescence is due out in 2012.

Over the years, Holly has received numerous accolades and awards for her philanthropic work: from the Anheuser Busch John E. Jacob Community Service Award to her most recent honor, Thurgood Marshall Foundation Award. In addition to her philanthropic work through her own foundation, Robinson Peete has become involved in other organizations as well. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of Autism Speaks, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) and the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

ABOUT KCET
On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. KCET currently produces the Emmy®, duPont-Columbia and Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern California. Throughout its 48-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.

ABOUT APT
American Public Television (APT) has been a leading distributor of high-quality, top-rated programming to America's public television stations since 1961. Since 2004, APT has distributed approximately half of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles. Among its 300 new program titles per year are prominent documentaries, news and current affairs programs, dramatic series, how-to programs, children's series and classic movies, including Your Turn to Care, Rick Steves' Europe, Moyers & Company, Doc Martin, America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated, Nightly Business Report, Globe Trekker, BBC World News, Diana Ross: For One and For All, Lidia's Italy, Rosemary & Thyme, Newsline, Simply Ming, Midsomer Murders, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, The Best of Soul Train and For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service. In 2006, APT launched and nationally distributed Create® – the TV channel featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming. APT is also a partner in WORLD™, public television's premier news and documentary channel.

SOURCE KCET

"Rescue Our Angels" Fundraiser Featuring Jenny McCarthy To Take Place At Rockit Bar & Grill On May 24

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:01:00 +0000

"Rescue Our Angels" Fundraiser Featuring Jenny McCarthy To Take Place At Rockit Bar & Grill On May 24

PR Newswire

Fifth Annual Autism Awareness Fundraiser for Generation Rescue

CHICAGO, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rockit Bar & Grill, located at 22 W. Hubbard, will host the 5th annual "Rescue Our Angels" Fundraiser benefiting Generation Rescue, a non-profit organization that provides assistance for families affected by autism, on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring special guest and Chicago native: comedian, actress and president of Generation Rescue, Jenny McCarthy.

"I am so excited for this event. It is families like the Doyles' paying it forward who make a lasting impact," said Jenny McCarthy. "Not only is this event for a great cause but it's taking place in my home town! Join me for a fun night and help families affected by autism."

In addition to a butler-style dinner, passed desserts, music from Rockit's resident DJ and the chance to mingle with Jenny McCarthy, guests can participate in an exciting auction with fabulous experiences up for bid including 2013 Master's tickets, Chef for a Day with Graham Elliott, 2013 Grammy tickets and entrance to the EMI after party, a luxury Inspirato vacation and 2012 Lollapalooza 3 day VIP Lolla Lounge tickets for two.

Join our list of current sponsors, which include the Chicago Sun Times, Fairway Consulting, Gold Coast Tickets and Samsung for a unique partnership opportunity. VIP Tickets cost $125 per person and include a Meet n Greet with Jenny McCarthy. General Admission Tickets are $75. To purchase tickets, visit www.generationrescue.org.

ABOUT GENERATION RESCUE AND "RESCUE OUR ANGELS"
Every year, Generation Rescue helps more than 25,000 families affected by autism by providing education, support and medical assistance, directly improving children's quality of life. With mentors in 38 countries around the world, services include a toll-free hotline, medical grants, parent mentors and conferences.

The Rescue Our Angels event was founded by Michele and Pete Doyle in honor of their daughter Caelan who was diagnosed with autism in November of 2006. Caelan, now 10, has responded positively to treatments. Now in its 5th year, the event raises money to help fund treatment for families affected by autism.

ABOUT ROCKIT BAR & GRILL
Rockit Bar & Grill, located in the heart of River North at 22 W. Hubbard, is open Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Thursday and Friday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to close. Saturday and Sunday, brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Valet parking is available during all hours of operation. For reservations or more information, call 312-645-6000 or visit www.rockitbarandgrill.com.

CONTACT:
Deanna Dugo
PR Manager
Rockit Ranch Productions
deanna@rockitranch.com
312.765.9370

SOURCE Rockit Bar & Grill

Actress, Model and Entrepreneur, Stacy Fuson Updates Her Vitamin Line That Will Keep You Feeling and Looking Younger

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:04:00 +0000

Actress, Model and Entrepreneur, Stacy Fuson Updates Her Vitamin Line That Will Keep You Feeling and Looking Younger

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now Vitamin D is hot and not just because most of it comes from the sun. Vitamin D was once prescribed to treat deficiency, osteoporosis and rickets, but doctors have increased their recommendations for the supplement to treat or prevent a long list of ills including certain cancers, autism, diabetes, heart disease, MS and many others.

Fortunately, Vitamins By Stacy has developed a line of premium products for all health-conscious individuals. Stacy designed her custom Vitamin line to help keep her clients looking younger and feeling great. "Taking your Vitamins may be the most overlooked and essential step towards staying youthful and stress free. This is the philosophy and reason why I started the Vitamins By Stacy brand," says Stacy Fuson.

Stacy is excited to announce her newly reformulated Multivitamin - Essence of Youth. Essence of Youth provides an essential daily formula supported by Coenzyme Q-10, Royal Jelly, RNA/DNA and Inositol, which have shown to be anti-aging.

Stacy's biggest selling product on www.VitaminsByStacy.com is her Hair, Skin and Nails supplement. This powerful product includes calcium, silica, MSM and gelatin, all of which are essential in maintaining support of healthy hair, skin and nails. Stacy's close friends including Playboy Playmates Kara Monaco, Jennifer Walcott, Alison Waite and Kimberly Holland can attest to the benefits of the Hair, Skin and Nails formula.

Stacy, a former St. Pauli Girl, whose acting credits include Iron Man 2, Modern Family and Entourage, was also Playboy's Miss February 1999.

Follow Stacy on Twitter @vitaminsbystacy or on her website at www.VitaminsByStacy.com.

SOURCE Vitamins By Stacy

Rethink Autism Wins Prestigious 2012 CODiE™ Award for Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students for Second Year in a Row

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Rethink Autism Wins Prestigious 2012 CODiE™ Award for Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students for Second Year in a Row

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rethink Autism, the first and only autism curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards, is an honored recipient of the 2012 SIIA CODiE™ Award for Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students, the second consecutive year it has won this award. The Software and Information Industry Association's (SIIA) CODiE™ Awards recognize excellence in digital content and educational technology.

"We recognize the tremendous challenges faced by families, school districts and organizations serving children on the autism spectrum. In developing the Rethink Autism platform, we wanted to make clinical best practices accessible, affordable and easy to use for anyone, anywhere in the world," said Daniel Etra, Co-founder and CEO. "With this award, and with thousands of users in schools, organizations, universities and homes in all 50 states, as well as 27 countries around the world, we really feel like we have achieved our goal."

Rethink Autism's unique web-based program provides parents and educators with a comprehensive evidence-based curriculum through 1,200+ video-based teaching steps, parent and staff training modules, an assessment tool, and progress tracking features. The curriculum, developed and endorsed by leaders in the field of autism treatment and research, spans the entire autism spectrum and covers a broad range of skills, including academics, language, social, motor, daily living, and behavior managements.

The CODiE™ Awards are the industry's only peer-reviewed awards program and provide member companies with a unique opportunity to earn praise from their competitors. From a wide range of nationally and internationally nominated products and services, third-party judges narrowed the field down to 128 finalists. From these finalists, SIIA members reviewed these finalists and voted to select 29 winners.

"This year's winners reflect excellence and vision," noted SIIA Vice President for the Education Division, Karen Billings. "I'm proud to congratulate them on the success of their applications, platforms, and products."

To learn more about Rethink Autism, visit the company's home page: http://www.rethinkautism.com/

To learn more about the SIIA CODiE Awards, visit the organization's home page: http://www.siia.net/codies/2012/

To learn more about the Common Core State Standards, visit the organization's home page: http://www.corestandards.org/

About Rethink Autism (http://www.rethinkautism.com)

Rethink Autism, Inc. seeks to ensure that every child on the autism spectrum has access to effective and affordable evidence-based treatment options by providing professionals, parents, and family members with the tools and information necessary to teach children with autism in a way that is easy to understand and apply. Rethink Autism was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters at 19 West 21st Street in New York City.

Contact:

Jamie Pagliaro
Executive Vice President, Rethink Autism
jamie@rethinkautism.com
ph: 646-257-2919

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Rethink Autism, Inc.

How to be a Village for an Autism mom this Mother's Day

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

How to be a Village for an Autism mom this Mother's Day

Lynette Louise of Brain and Body offers these six simple tips

PR Newswire

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism expert Lynette Louise of Brain and Body agrees that every mom deserves to be pampered and recognized on Mother's Day. For parenting partners and kids this is a great opportunity to prove that you appreciate the lengths mom goes to every day, by helping out for one! Unfortunately, moms of autism often get less pampered because families and friends aren't sure what to do.

Global autism expert, and more importantly, autism mom and individual Lynette Louise, would love to offer some simple suggestions!

Neighbors and Strangers: #1 Think 'Isn't that child beautiful!?' #2 Think 'Isn't that mom awesome!?' #3 Think 'How can I help?' #4 Don't think. Act! Open a door, push a cart, carry a bag, smile!

In-Laws and Extended Relatives: Hire a cleaning lady that uses all natural products and send her to clean-up the mess after Mother's Day.

Siblings: Engage in your special sib's favorite game of repetitive behavior for at least an hour, and laugh a lot!

Parenting Partner: Do ALL the child rearing for the day and then both of you go out to supper. (If the in-laws don't do their job, hire a maid to clean-up the mess. If you can't afford one, involve all the kids and do it yourselves.)

Best Friend: Take her and her special child out while the house gets cleaned.

MOM: Relax and trust your friends and family to do it all! You deserve a day!

Some of these tips and tricks (ie think wonderfully, smile and play favorite game with special sib) will make everyone feel more comfortable every day of the year. Surprisingly they also have the ability to help guide your children in skill acquisition and social comfort. Let Mother's Day be an excuse to begin making those simple, brain-changing adjustments! According to Lynette, "Sooner is better than later, though later is MUCH better than not at all."

Lynette Louise raised eight children – four of them were on the spectrum of autism. She was able to guide all but one out of autism and into independence. Lynette travels internationally, performing and speaking on the subject of autism and the efficacy of neurofeedback (biofeedback for the brain). A doubly board-certified PhD candidate at UNM: College of Psychophysiology, she is the author of the inspirational and honest new book MIRACLES ARE MADE: A Real Life Guide to Autism and host of the WebTalk.net radio show A NEW SPIN ON AUTISM: ANSWERS! Her one-woman musical comedy show CRAZY TO SANE raises awareness -- and laughter --around the world.

Contact: Lynette Louise MS, BCN-T, CBS PhD in M.O.M, 713-213-7682, mom4evermore@juno.com, www.lynettelouise.com www.brainbody.net

SOURCE Brain and Body

Autism Speaks Selects Prometheus Research to Develop Integrated Data Management System

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Autism Speaks Selects Prometheus Research to Develop Integrated Data Management System

PR Newswire

NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Prometheus Research, a leading provider of data management services for behavioral and biomedical research, announced today that it has been selected by Autism Speaks to develop an integrated data management system which will enable autism researchers to securely manage and share their data. The newly organized Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) Data Coordinating Center (DCC) centralizes clinical, environmental, and biospecimen data from several Autism Speaks-funded programs and initiatives to better serve the research community.

Using their Research Exchange Database (RexDB®) platform and best-of-breed electronic data capture system, ROADS, Prometheus empowers researchers to effectively manage and exchange interdisciplinary data while maintaining the flexibility to incorporate new significant results such as genetic, EEG, imaging data and additional studies.

"We're very excited to begin working with Autism Speaks, a premier autism research and advocacy organization. This project will enable wider integration of Autism Speaks' valuable research data and enable them to re-use the data in ways not possible before," said Dr. Leon Rozenblit, President and CEO of Prometheus Research.

Prometheus Research's domain expertise in autism and related disorders makes it an ideal partner for Autism Speaks. Prometheus has supported or collaborated on some of the largest and most ambitious autism research endeavors in the world, including the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR). The tools and processes they've helped develop in the areas of study governance, data collection, data curation, data distribution, and data persistence are now considered best practices for collaborative research, and are already in use at places like the Yale Child Study Center and the Marcus Autism Center.

"AGRE's dedication to collaboration and data sharing has accelerated the pace of autism research significantly over the last decade," said Autism Speaks Vice President of Clinical Programs Clara Lajonchere, Ph.D. "We strive to utilize technology that will meet the emerging needs of science and feel that the team at Prometheus Research has developed the tools that will help us achieve our goals."

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About Prometheus Research
Prometheus Research provides data management services and web-native data-management software to biomedical researchers investigating autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Its team specializes in designing and building systems capable of accelerating complex interdisciplinary research and of multiplying the value of hard-won research data. Prometheus staff are consummate innovators, and Prometheus technology powers some of the most ambitious and important research endeavors in autism, including the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). Many of these innovations also are made available to the open source software community, most notably HTSQL, an instant Web interface for databases, and the Research Exchange Database, RexDB®. To learn more about Prometheus Research, please visit http://www.prometheusresearch.com.

SOURCE Prometheus Research

New Jersey School Districts Participate in an Innovative Autism Program

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

New Jersey School Districts Participate in an Innovative Autism Program

PR Newswire

STIRLING, N.J., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Lincoln Park School District, in conjunction with Scholastic Intervention Solutions, has launched an innovative program with the goal of improving the administrative and instructional aspects of their autism program as well as reducing costs 20-30%.

Over the past several years, Scholastic Intervention solutions has developed a fully supported ABA Autism Program to manage and navigate all the core operations of an autism continuum including: administrative functionality (such as assessment, IEP/curriculum development), educational materials, and support services. Initially, three NJ school districts are participating with 55 educators and 26 students along with several administrators.

"Our goal is to improve our current program that will meet and exceed the essential requirements of a successful autism program" says Superintendent James Grube. "In addition, the feedback we provide during the initial phases of the program will help shape the services for the long term."

The crushing convergence of higher costs and shrinking budgets; federal and state legal mandates; shortage of expertise, and educational compliance requirements has made it nearly impossible for school districts to meet the financial and logistical burden today, or plan with certainty for the future.

"These challenges are not going away, they will only intensify. If we don't forge a path towards controlling these issues, ultimately the kids will suffer." Greg Carr, founder of Scholastic Intervention Solutions, added, "This is why I believe this program is so important. We must leverage modern technology and further refine the tools necessary to control costs and manage the continuum of services including instructional, administrative, support and oversight in order to improve the effectiveness of any school based autism program."

About Scholastic Intervention Solutions
Scholastic Intervention Solutions leverages modern technology to provide school districts a scalable infrastructure with a turnkey suite of tools and support services that manages the fundamental operations of a districts ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Autism program including: administrative functionality, educational materials, and support services. By integrating best-of breed software solutions, Scholastic Intervention Solutions provides the following capabilities: child assessments, IEP and curriculum development, teacher e-learning materials, support and oversight that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. By streamlining these processes, Scholastic Intervention Solutions creates economies of scale resulting in a 20-30% reduction of expenses, improved education, and delivers better, more reliable outcomes.

Media Contact: Greg Carr Scholastic Interventions Solutions, LLC, 908.604.8888, gcarr@scholasticinterventions.org

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Scholastic Interventions Solutions, LLC

Ahmad Islam, Co-founder of Award-Winning Marketing Agency, commonground, Rallies Supporters for 2012 Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:58:15 +0000

Ahmad Islam, Co-founder of Award-Winning Marketing Agency, commonground, Rallies Supporters for 2012 Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism advocacy hits home for Ahmad Islam, one of the city's top business leaders. Islam, co-founder and managing partner of Chicago-based marketing agency, commonground, and Chicago Autism Speaks board member, is the father of nine-year-old Gabriel, who was diagnosed with autism five years ago. Islam is rallying support from colleagues, friends, family and his professional network to participate in the 9th annual Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. The walk will be held Saturday, May 12 at Soldier Field. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The walk officially begins at 10:30 a.m.

2012 marks the third year Islam and his team will participate. For the past two years the team was known as Team Gabriel. This year the team will walk under the auspices of Team Gabriel's Horn. The name change coincides with the launch of Gabriel's Horn Foundation, a family foundation established by Islam and his wife Debra, to honor their son and all autistic children from African American and Latino communities.

"Statistics show that the average white child is diagnosed with autism around the age of two or three while the average African American or Latino child is diagnosed around the age of six or seven, proving the disparity between white and multicultural communities is large, and awareness and resources within underserved communities are often scarce," said Islam. "The foundation has been organized to promote advocacy and awareness for and within communities of underserved multicultural families who are impacted by autism. Debra and I want all families to know that there are resources; people and information out there that can help them do what ultimately is in the best interest of the child. Gabriel's Horn Foundation gives us the platform and opportunity to align closely with organizations like Autism Speaks to implement activities targeted toward multicultural families."

Islam's goal for this year's Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks event is to have 90 people walk as part of Team Gabriel's Horn to commemorate Gabriel's 9th birthday. "Gabriel and his six-year-old sister, Selena, are very excited about this year's walk," said Debra Islam. "When we get out there the day of the walk, it becomes very tangible for Gabriel because he sees everyone wearing Team Gabriel's Horn t-shirts and he understands that all of these people are here to support him." Each year the team wears unique t-shirts that highlight special facts about children with autism. No two autistic kids are the same but we can learn love from them all is this year's theme.

Team Gabriel's Horn will also participate in the Houston Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on October 13. Through Gabriel's Horn Foundation, the Islam family plans to raise $25,000 between both cities. In addition to family, friends and co-workers, two commonground clients, American Family Insurance and the North Star Lottery Group, will lend their support by serving as corporate sponsors for the 2012 Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.

For more information about Gabriel's Horn Foundation, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TeamGabrielChicago

Gabriel's Horn Foundation on Twitter: @GabrielsHorn1

To join Team Gabriel's Horn and participate in the May 12th walk, visit: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=993815&lis=0&kntae993815=D9B88D1049564EB2A7EAD041B0F42797&team=5042552&tlteam=0

About commonground

Founded in 2004 by Sherman Wright and Ahmad Islam, commonground has grown from four to more than 70 employees in the nearly eight years since its inception. The agency's portfolio includes such clients as The Illinois Lottery, The Coca-Cola Company, Miller Coors, Bacardi USA, American Family Insurance, Nike, Jordan Brand, Wrigley and Baxter. commonground offers clients an integrated scope of services including brand strategy, cultural consulting, account planning, advertising, event marketing, consumer promotion, shopper marketing, digital/mobile solutions, content and property development.

Website: www.discovercg.com; Twitter: www.twitter.com/discoverCG; YouTube: www.youtube.com/DiscoverCG; Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/commonground/128763285983?sk=wall

lesliegordon@discovercg.com

SOURCE commonground

GPS Technology Enhances Quality of Life for Autism due to wandering and safety issues

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:02:30 +0000

GPS Technology Enhances Quality of Life for Autism due to wandering and safety issues

GTX Corp extends its growing IP portfolio and a partnership with Talk About Curing Autism to develop GPS tracking location based solutions aimed at aiding families living with autism

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GTX Corp (OTCBB: GTXO), the leader in customizable, 2-way GPS tracking location based solutions has been granted another utility patent, adding to the company's growing IP portfolio that includes 11 issued patents, 5 patents pending and 34 U.S. and 28 foreign patents under its license. The multi-patented GPS technology platform will also soon serve as the foundation for products designed to help the millions of families affected by autism, as a result of a new partnership between GTX Corp and Talk About Curing Autism (TACA).

This new Patent 8,154,401 B1 titled "System and Method for Communication with a Tracking Device" protects many of the vital communications with the GTX Corp backend processes that are currently being used daily by the Company's licensed enterprise partners and consumers, enhancing the Company's barriers to entry in the growing $13 billion location based services industry. "This new patent has 30 claims, including 2 independent claims. One of the independent claims is directed to a tracking device with remotely configurable settings and the other independent claim is directed to a method of communicating configuration data to a tracking device. This patent further strengthens the Company's already extensive IP portfolio and overall value," said Larry E. Henneman, Jr., Registered U.S. Patent Attorney.

Continued technological innovation and partnerships such as the one between TACA and GTX Corp advances the reality that healthcare is no longer limited to what happens in the hospital. Healthcare and safety is becoming integrated into our phones, our homes and even our clothing with the convergence of digital and medical technologies. "We are excited to partner with GTX Corp and to begin providing the thousands of families we work with, technical solutions for those diagnosed with autism who wander from their families. This partnership will address the serious safety concerns for the many families we serve," stated Lisa Ackerman, TACA Founder.

"With our award winning multi-patented GPS Smart Shoe and patent-pending Alertag we have been at the forefront of connected health for years, providing new levels of functional oversight, security and peace of mind to a variety of audiences and needs," commented Patrick Bertagna, CEO of GTX Corp. "We look forward to developing and bringing to market new, innovative products that both satisfy the ever-increasing consumer demand for location based solutions and that will help support the families challenged with a special needs child."

Wandering is an enormous issue for the autism community. Recent research concludes that 48% of children diagnosed with autism wander and are susceptible to injury, death and other safety issues. This partnership will offer families affected by autism a solution for helping track and potentially assist in keeping their loved one safe.

Recently analyst firm TNS said a majority of people around the world were now recognizing the value of sharing their location. Given the report, almost one fifth, or 19 percent, of the world's mobile users are already using location based services, and more than three times that (62 percent) aspire to do so very soon. With the expectation of this market seeing sizable growth over the next few years GTX Corp is positioning itself well by continuing to build a strong intellectual property portfolio and expand its strategic relationships.

About GTX Corp (GTXO.OB) - The leader in enterprise 2 way GPS real-time personal location services (PLS) was founded in 2002 and is based in Los Angeles, California with distributors in Mexico, Australia and Nepal and customers in 147 countries. GTX Corp utilizes the latest in miniaturized, low power consumption technology and offers a robust enterprise GPS and cellular location platform to track in real time the whereabouts of people, pets, vehicles and high valued assets. Answering the "where is" question through a licensing business model and providing a complete end to end solution of hardware, middleware, apps, connectivity and professional services. Letting you know where someone or something is at the touch of a button, GTX Corp also owns and operates LOCiMOBILE, Inc which develops applications for smartphones and tablets, Code Amber News Service, and Code Amber Alertag. The Company has an aggressive intellectual property strategy and owns an extensive portfolio of patents, patents pending, registered trademarks, copyrights and URLs.

Online: http://www.gtxcorp.com/contact/ www.facebook.com/gtxcorp www.twitter.com/gtxcorp

Product and licensing e mail - info@gtxcorp.com
Public Relations contact Suzy Ginsburg (713) 721.4774 suzy@gcomworks.com
Investor Relations ir@gtxcorp.com

About TACA-Talk About Curing Autism is a national organization, headquartered in Irvine, California, dedicated to providing information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. (TACA) provides support, education and information, and resources to almost 30,000 families in the U.S. who are touched by autism. Over 95 percent of TACA's services are provided at no charge. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families with professional assistance and serves to bridge the gap between diagnosis and effective treatment. Further information about Talk About Curing Autism and resources for families living with autism can be found at www.tacanow.org or by calling (949) 640-4401.

About GLX - The Global Listing Exchange
The Global Online Investment Community - GLX provides interactive advertising, conference and event coordination, digital IR/PR, journalism, market intelligence, media/marketing, news dissemination, research, video production and ancillary specialty communications services to publicly traded companies worldwide.

The GLX Editor's Desk
+1 855 GLX INTL | +1 855 459 4685
info@glx.com | www.glx.com

GTX Corp does not warrant or represent that the unauthorized use of materials drawn from the content of this document will not infringe rights of third parties who are not owned or affiliated by GTX Corp. Further GTX Corp cannot be held responsible or liable for the unauthorized use of this document's content by third parties unknown to the company.

SOURCE GTX Corp