Left to right: Rhonda Davis, Amy Kampis, John Harper Kampis, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Jordan Davis, Stormi Brock and Penny Brock
CULLMAN – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs recently proclaimed the month of April 2018 “Autism Awareness Month” in the city of Cullman. Jacobs made the announcement on Thursday, April 12, 2018 and presented a signed and sealed proclamation to those in attendance.
Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder. According to recent statistics, approximately one in 68 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects everyone differently and can range from very mild to severe. It knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries and affects young and old alike.
Understanding of autism has grown tremendously since it was first diagnosed. However, there is still no known cure. Accurate and early diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education and intervention are vital to the future growth and development of individuals with autism. Hope lies in a broad spectrum of treatments and in an informed public and community committed to providing support and service to individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
On hand to accept the proclamation were Rhonda Davis and her son Jordan, Amy Kampis and her son John Harper Kampis, and Penny Brock and her daughter, Stormi Brock.
“We are proud to stand with Mayor Jacobs in proclaiming April as National Autism Awareness Month,” said Davis, of the Cullman Area Autism & Special Needs Support Group.
The Cullman Area Autism & Special Needs Support Group works directly with the state nonprofit organization, Autism Society of Alabama, offering conferences, monthly support and training meetings, social outings and more for families working and living with individuals of all ages with special needs. For more information on this group, visit its Facebook page or contact coordinators Davis (256-962-2208), Sarah Bates (256-338-1301) or Kampis (256-347-7436).
In the proclamation, Jacobs urged all citizens to participate in local Autism Awareness Month activities in order to become better educated about autism and to create a better community for individuals with autism.
“I appreciate all that Rhonda and the other members of the Cullman Area Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group do to help folks in our community,” said Jacobs. “I believe it’s important to help promote awareness of this issue and to support those groups and individuals who help to improve the lives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
2018 Restaurant Spirit & Awareness Fundraising Days are underway. Attend one of the Spirit Events listed below to help support this cause.
2018 RESTAURANT SPIRIT & AWARENESS FUNDRAISING DAYS
- Saturday, April 21: 7-9:30 AM Pancake Breakfast Applebee’s, Cullman
- Monday, April 23: 5-8 PM Spirit Night Brandin’ Iron, West Point
- Wednesday, April 25: 4-8 PM Spirit Night Dairy Queen, Cullman (South)
- Wednesday, May 9: 4-8 PM Spirit Night Dairy Queen, Cullman (North)
- Saturday, May 12: 8 AM–1 PM Car Wash Zaxby’s (South, Olive Street)
- Thursday, May 17: 4-8 PM Spirit Night Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Cullman
- Saturday, May or June Car Wash Zaxby’s, (North, AL Hwy 157)
To find out more about Autism Spectrum Disorders – or to find out how you can help families or support the search for a cure – visit one of the following sites:
Autism Society of Alabama: www.autism-alabama.org
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
Cullman Area Autism & Special Needs Support Group: www.facebook.com/groups/365701250298039
