HILLWOOD HOSA WALKS FOR AUTISM

Current findings of the CDC show that 1 in 99 children born today will be diagnosed with autism and it is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Americans are currently living with an autism spectrum disorder. Because of this increasingly puzzling disorder, Autism Speaks is the National Service Project for the HOSA Organization (Health Occupations Students of America).  On Saturday, October 17, 2009, fifteen Hillwood HOSA members and their advisor, Ms. Dina Starks, joined approximately 1,000 other people in the 2nd Annual Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks!  They braved the chilly 45 degree windy weather and helped support research into clues for the puzzling reasons for the continuously increasing occurrence of autism in our society.

Hillwood HOSA members raised a total thus far this fall of $887.00 through the acceptance of donations and the sale of the Autism Speaks puzzle cards on display on the wall entering the cafeteria of the school. The club is still working toward their goal of a minimum of $1000 to earn recognition in the Autism Speaks "Grand Club" for 2009. Hillwood HOSA will continue to raise funds to support  Autism Speaks' work in science, family services, advocacy and awareness.            

Anyone interested in making donations toward Hillwood HOSA's efforts for Autism Speaks can send a tax-deductable donation in the form of a check written to Autism Speaks to Dina Starks at Hillwood High School or directly through the Autism Speaks website at www.walknowforautism.org. On this website, click on Tennessee, click on HOSA-TN, click on Hillwood HOSA, and then click on General Team Donation or click on an individual student to give credit to that particular student. Your donations are greatly appreciated by Hillwood HOSA and particularly, by Autism Speaks!