Alexis is nine years old. She wakes up everyday with a smile
on her face. But she also wakes up to face more challenges than
most people. When Alexis was 11 months old, a neurologist diagnosed
her with autism.
That doctor informed Alexis’s mother, Erica Kosares, that
an institution might be a better place for Alexis. But like many
children with autism and related disabilities, Alexis defied all
the odds. She has overcome many obstacles and surpassed many expert
expectations. She can now walk and communicate. “She has
accomplished more in her first nine years than most people will
ever accomplish,” Kosares said.
In 2005, Kosares founded The Alexis Foundation to help other
families with similar challenges. The Alexis Foundation provides
information on autism, Angelman Syndrome, Aspergers Syndrome, Rett
Syndrome, and other related disabilities. The foundation offers
parents resources about legislation, programs, therapies, and diet.
The Alexis Foundation has also developed a new program to help
families with autism face special challenges presented in emergency
situations. Project Safety Net is engaged when an emergency 911
call is placed from the home of an autistic family. The 911 dispatcher
is automatically informed that there is someone at the residence
with autism or a related disability, and that is immediately forwarded
to first responders. First responders will then have a better understanding
of the needs of the individual they are going to help. This system
can also help locate missing autistic children: It makes automatic
calls to residences and businesses in the area asking them to be
on the lookout for a missing child and to call 911 if they see
him or her.
For more information, visit www.alexisfoundation.org
Each month the Council on Humane Giving profiles a health charity
that displays the Humane Charity Seal of Approval on its website
or literature. Please consider showing your support by writing a
letter of thanks or giving a donation, and be sure to tell your
friends, family and coworkers about this outstanding health charity.
Humane Charity Spotlight Archive
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