A Special Appeal

To all the loyal readers of the Morettini on Management:

I rarely diverge from High Tech Management topics in this Blog. The following note is about a very important cause to me, and to society at large.

I am participating in the upcoming San Diego Walk for Autism fundraiser, a charity event near to my heart. The Walk for Autism Research is the signature fundraising event of Autism Speaks/NAAR, one of the prominent parent-founded charities which funds Autism Research. I am asking for your generosity and seeking donations as part of my participation in the Walk–all donations going to Autism Research. You can find more information on the event at the San Diego NAAR/Autism Speaks-Walk for Autism website.

The most important reason to contribute to Autism Research is the suffering of the children affected by this hideous disease, along with the difficulties it presents to their families. More than 50 years after it was first described, Autism remains a mystery, and is affecting young children at an increasingly alarming rate–1 -166 children born will be diagnosed with Autism–and now affects millions of people and their families. The scariest part is the huge increase in the numbers over the last decade or so—with no one knowing why. Autism affects all colors, creeds and nationalities. Even today, Autism remains one of the lowest funded of all the diseases that affect large numbers of people. Autism’s cause has not yet been characterized–and badly needs to be, to allow progress on treatments and ultimately, a cure.

The disease is not only a personal tragedy for many, but also a huge societal problem, one that is consuming large amounts of school and medical resources, to care for those affected. A recent conservative estimate of the societal cost of Autism was $35 Billion ANNUALLY, in the United States alone. Yet the US research budget for Autism is typically an order of magnitude lower than other diseases which affect like numbers of people.

There are two ways to contribute, if you are able to make a donation (all contributions are of course Tax Deductible). The easiest way is to donate online. This link takes you to my personal fundraising page on the Autism Speaks-Walk for Autism website. On this page you can painlessly make your donation using any major credit card. If you prefer, you can also make a donation by check. Please make the check out to “Autism Speaks”, and mail it to:

Autism Speaks
c/o PJM Consulting
10644 Amberglades Lane
San Diego, CA 92130 USA
858-792-1062

Your generosity toward this important cause is greatly appreciated.

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