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George ARDAVANIS (GRE-D638)will be observing it in the Sahara, running the MDS for the kids and their families.
Help the cause, spread the word.

"I’ m coming to ask for your support towards my effort to raise awareness on autism and make a contribution to the “Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago”.
 
As many of you know, on March 28th 2010, I shall depart for Morocco, where I’ll participate in the 25th Marathon des Sables. The Marathon des Sables is considered the hardest race on earth and the objective is to complete a six-day, 250km, most challenging and larger-than-life marathon across the Sahara.
One of the main goals of my participation in this event is to sensitize people on autism in Trinidad and Tobago and help me to give back to this particular charity.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. 2007 data indicate that the prevalence of autism is on the rise (1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys). The Autism Society of the US estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism. [For more information on autism, please visit www.autism-society.com].

In Trinidad and Tobago, as of October 2007, there were over three hundred families registered with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago [web site: www.autismtt.org], but my understanding is that awareness remains low and funds are needed to advance the causes of the Society. Already my sponsors: 3M (Trinidad and Tobago), WSP International (Sweden), Herne European Consultancy (UK) and Green Leader (UK) were more than happy to help this cause. I am hoping you will find it in your heart to help, too.

At this time and until I return from the Sahara desert (April 13, 2010) all individual (non corporate) contributions made will be applied directly to the grant for the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

Remember, no amount is too small.
No contribution is trivial.
Even if you can not help, please send this email to your friends and relatives.
Please spread the word, let’s help these children and their families.
 
 
For any contributions that you would like to make, please make a deposit to the following account number: Republic Bank, George Ardavanis Account number: 340016748101
Please note that this account number was specifically set up for the Marathon des Sables sponsoring and the charity contributions. Cash donations can also be made by persons residing in Port of Spain. Just email me back to arrange.
 
 
Thank you for your attention and your support,
 
 
Regards,
 
Dr. George Ardavanis"