Dear friends, family, and TACA supporters:
Last year was a very memorable one for the Fulton family. Denise and Dean assisted with the formation of the new Washington Chapter of Talk About Curing Autism (TACA WA) with the goal of providing information and connections to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA WA aims to speed up the cycle time that moves them from the diagnosis to the appropriate information that will lead to effective treatments and support. No membership fees are assessed on the families who participate in TACA WA.
With the valuable assistance of our generous donors; the volunteers of TACA WA have been working hard to fulfill their mission and are proud to report the following outcomes from 2008
TACA Washington:
Participated in several regional autism events in order to share resources, provide support, and offer information to parents, clinicians, and educators.
Conducted eight meetings in Pierce and King Counties serving more than 200 families, clinicians, and educators. TACA WA has offered speakers on topics ranging from traditional therapies, integrated medical treatments, advocacy, and education.
Provided more than 100 free TACA Journey Guides to parents– the Journey Guides are more than 300 pages of collective knowledge gathered from experienced paraprofessionals and parents.
Assisted with the Northwest Porphyrins Study - In collaboration with the Autism Research Institute and the University of Washington; TACA WA has engaged in a regional porphyrins research study. The purpose of this study is to determine if porphyrins are elevated in the urine of children with autism in comparison with neurotypical children of the same age. Parents participating in this study will receive free results for their participating children.
Participated in the Tacoma City Marathon to raise awareness and raise funds to support for the new TACA WA chapter. More than $7,000 was raised during this effort and more than $8,000 was raised by the TACA WA chapter. 100% of the dollars raised go to support direct TACA WA programs and services.
Helped leverage free autism diagnosis for TACA WA families through a University of Washington program.
Hosted a physician dinner to help strengthen our local autism community's medical resources and invite clinicians who are currently working with individuals with autism or have an interest in learning more.
Conducted speaking engagements at the University of Washington
Tacoma campus.
Collaborated with Olympia’s Marshall Middle School’s bike restoration project which culminated in $1,000 being donated to the TACA WA chapter.
Helped local families in attaining much needed financial scholarships to assist them with their daunting medical expenses.
Because of the faith and devotion of our generous donors and with the support of our vital volunteers; TACA WA has been able to positively impact many lives. For us to continue our mission into 2009 we need your help. I know times are tough and the current economy is affecting us all. These challenging times magnify the financial and emotional strain that our families living with autism experience every day. Whatever you can do to assist TACA WA is deeply appreciated.
Contributions to TACA WA will help underwrite the costs associated with continuing to provide vital resources to parents and children in need. Simply click on the below link to make a secure online contribution (100% tax-deductible) or send a check to the below address. We greatly appreciate your consideration.
Correspondence may be directed to:
TACA Washington
5417 Park Place Loop SE
Lacey, WA 98503
We look forward to providing you updates on the future successes of TACA Washington in 2009. Thank you for your generosity, interest and investment in supporting families affected by autism. Your contributions mean a great deal and we deeply value your trust and support of TACA Washington.
With much gratitude -
Dean and Denise Fulton
P.S. - Please feel free to forward this link to anyone who you think may be interested. It is greatly appreciated!
Offline contributions
- The Fulton Family (through a workplace campaign)
- Charlotte Wiseman (in honor of Denise's birthday)
- Todd, Amy, John, and Jenny Fulton
- Virginia and James Eschelman
- Nancy Burke-Hall and Phillip Hall
- Beth Wilder O/T
- Bates Early Education Summit
- Microsoft Matching Gift Program (thank you Mark Fulton)
- Young Moye
- Dennis and Cindy Fulton
- Rotary Club of South Puget Sound - "Service Above Self"