This is an open letter to all homeowners and business owners. April is Autism Awareness Month. To start the month off, Autism Speaks will celebrate the second annual Light it Up Blue (for autism) Campaign. To celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, more than 500 buildings and landmarks will be shining blue in support, in more than 125 cities in 25 countries.
I am writing to ask you to support autism awareness. I am not asking for a donation. That can be done through the Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org).
My 7-year-old son has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome. One out of every 110 children have some form of autism — making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Yet few people know about or understand the disorder. I know I didn’t until my son was diagnosed two years ago. In the United States, 1.5 million individuals are affected by autism. As of today there is no cure.
What I am asking of you is to help raise autism awareness by participating in the Light it Up Blue” Campaign on April 1-2. Simply by decorating your home or business with blue decorations — replace white light bulbs with blue ones, for example — you will bring awareness to our cause. You could get creative if you sell any blue-colored items by highlighting them for the campaign. You can get more details and information at www.lightitupblue.org.
Thank you in advance.
DONNA YEARS
Atlanta, Steuben County
