Atlanta Mom Asks Facebook Users to 'Chase the Hope' for $1,000,000 in Autism Funding

Chase Community Giving provides opportunity for expanded programs benefiting families affected by autism

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Atlanta mom Adrienne Britt-Rousseau joins parents, grandparents, and caregivers around the country in asking Facebook users to vote for the National Autism Association (NAA) in the Chase Community Giving challenge. NAA, the only organization in the challenge that is strictly devoted to autism, is in the running for $1 million to be awarded to the charity receiving the most votes by January 22.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090918/NAALOGO)

Autism rates have risen sharply in recent years, with one in 110 children now affected.  "Autism has truly become a national emergency, yet funding in all areas of need is extremely low," said Ms. Britt-Rousseau, who has a 12-year-old son diagnosed with autism.  "Necessary treatments and services are often costly and out of reach for families doing their best to help their children. One million dollars would go a long way in assisting so many families in dire need."

The $1 million award would allow NAA to significantly broaden its existing assistance programs which address the most critical needs among families impacted by autism.  These programs include Helping Hand, which assists families in funding desperately needed treatments and therapies for their children, and FOUND, which was established to combat the rise in wandering-related deaths in the autism community.

In addition to its family care programs, NAA advocates for the most relevant scientific research, legislation for access to medical care, coverage for medical and safety devices, services and support over the life span and protection from abuse towards individuals with autism.  The award money would allow for enhanced legislative and educational efforts for these crucial issues facing thousands of families nationwide.

"I encourage Facebook users to put their vote where it will truly make a difference," commented Ms. Britt-Rousseau.  "This is such an easy way to help families affected by autism.  So many of them desperately need assistance."

To vote for NAA in Chase Community Giving on Facebook, go to

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/486243?

To share "Chase the Hope" messages on Facebook, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/chase/share.htm

Contacts:

Adrienne Britt-Rousseau  (Lawrenceville, GA) 770-712-9499

Rita Shreffler (Nixa, MO) 401-632-6452

SOURCE National Autism Association