July 22, 2012 FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Unconventional Foundation for Autism is proud to host
“JOEY’S HOPE" 2nd Annual Event at The California Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center in Long Beach on
September 15, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
With the success of last years
first annual Joey?s Hope
event, where we welcomed special guest Council member Steven Neal from the 9th
District, a representative from CA State Assembly member Isadore Hall III from
the 52nd District, this year we plan to continue building our same mission
restoring hope, smiles, and working with healthcare organizations to cover
aquatic therapy for children on the autism spectrum.
In 2009, Mieko decided to go
public with her son's success with medical cannabis and was invited on FOX
News, The Doctors Show, NBC, CBS, The Good Morning America's Today„s show,
Australia?s
number one morning show and ABC?s 20/20 . Mieko has become a source of inspiration for other mothers
and families. She often mentions her own inspiration, Eunice Kennedy as one of
her mentors and reasons for starting The Unconventional Foundation for Autism.
Mieko is now sharing her son's
story through mainstream media and has formed a non-profit organization
dedicated to alternative autism treatments at UF4A.ORG. After her son Joey was
denied this type of therapy, she decided to do something about it.
The Unconventional Foundation
for Autism has launched a campaign that will raise awareness on the growing
number of special needs children being denied the proper treatment methods they
desperately need. As Autism is at the forefront of the new healthcare coverage
Bill SB946, this event will serve as a model outline for healthcare &
regional center providers in building criteria for this type of therapy.
Mieko and her foundation have
placed their efforts to raise awareness and support for families with
non-traditional therapies with Aquatic therapy being at the top of their list.
The typical cost of an Aquatic Therapy
on the average is between $65-$100.00 per session, as a parent dealing with the
autism factor, we are finding our cost of living to surpass the current
household income that was set in place before the rise of autism with the items
parents need on a daily basis. Autism seems to be the new “golden child” of
expenses as Mieko states… it's the hard knock life for us.
Since our last “Joey?s Hope Aquatic
Therapy Event” Mieko, has been the recipient of The Evelyn duPont Community
Service Award and received a proclamation from Congress member Laura Richardson
37th District and Los Angeles City LA Supervisors Don Knabe for her
participation in bringing more awareness to the Aquatic center.
The Unconventional
Foundation for Autism has partnered with The California Aquatic Therapy
& Wellness Center, Inc., in Long Beach to allow families and children
experience warm water therapy. Aquatic Therapy can promote wellness and improve
the quality of life for individuals with health needs in an accessible,
warm-water aquatic facility. The Aquatic Center was founded to serve disabled
children and has served physically and mentally compromised children for nearly
half a century including those afflicted with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,
spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, and other physical and developmental
challenges. Since the inception over 45 years ago, The Aquatic Center has
provided in excess of one million therapy sessions to improve the lives
of children and adults with disabilities.
Invited guests include Long Beach City
officials & Medical Professionals from Kasier Permanente, CIGNA, Aetna,
United Healthcare, Blue Cross / Blue Shield and Molina Healthcare
organizations.
Sponsors:
Litro Technologies,Sullen
Clothing, Autism
Long Beach, Ten Bistro Newport Beach , Bhang Co., The
Werc Shop, Roots Gourmet Long Beach, Jumpstart
Bodyfuel energy
bars , O.N.E Water Drinks, Action Sports Foundation Long Beach. Aquatic Art displays by: Catrina Coleman, Ana
Rodriguez and Brandie Mata
The "Joey's Strain" Campaign is driven and focused on the continuous support of the community. The Joey's Strain MedTainer symbolizes the new faces of autism. Help us spread awareness towards a very worthy cause. UF4A.ORG is an informational website
