FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

July 23, 2003 Buffalo Autism Walk

Buffalo Niagara Walk F.A.R. for NAAR

P.O. Box 1077

Buffalo, NY 14231-1077

Monica Moshenko, Co-Chair

(716) 522-9185 monica@poweradvocates.org  

MEDIA ADVISORY

American Idol, Clay Aiken, gives ten-year-old boy with autism a memorable birthday in Buffalo!

BUFFALO, N.Y – On Saturday, July 19, the "American Idol" concert tour was in town and featured the immensely talented singers from the hit reality FOX TV show, including Clay Aiken and the reigning "idol" Rubin Studdard.

Clay Aiken has a special place for many children, especially in the autism spectrum, since Clay has a special education background and works with children that are autistic. Alex Moshenko, had written a letter in June telling Clay he has three wishes for his tenth birthday (July 19). His first wish was to meet Clay Aiken in person; second, that Clay would get involved in the walk for Autism being held on Sunday, September 14 in Buffalo, NY and third to have a "real dad" every day. Knowing that the "American Idol" concert would be in Buffalo soon, Alex’s mom continued to reach out to people in media who would be able to help her make arrangements to personally meet with Clay. After many phone calls and prayers, the right connection was made. Monica spoke with Clay’s manager and confirmed that Clay Aiken would meet with them. Clay was also willing to help promote the autism walk planned for Sunday, September 14 in Buffalo at Delaware Park, called "Buffalo Niagara Walk F.A.R. for NAAR." Current sponsors for this year's walk include the Buffalo Bills, WKBW-TV, Buca di Beppo Restaurant, Wegmans Food Markets, Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association, Future Horizons, City Mattress and Twin City Ambulance.

While Clay is known for his enormous singing talent, he is also known for his dedication to autism. Alex’s mom, Monica, is co-chair for the second walk for autism for NAAR, along with Suzanne Krull and Mike Nurse. The National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) is a national nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to finding the causes, prevention, effective treatment and, ultimately, cure of the autism spectrum disorders. Until parents established NAAR in 1994, there was no national nonprofit organization in the United States devoted to funding and otherwise accelerating biomedical research in autism and related disorders. The founders of the National Alliance for Autism Research, Eric and Karen London, hoped that this organization would be exactly what its name suggests-- a nationwide alliance of families, researchers and others concerned with autism united in their efforts to fund and accelerate autism research. NAAR was created in a spirit of optimism and excitement over the opportunities for promising research in autism enabled by remarkable recent advances in the neurosciences and other scientific fields. The walks are the major fundraising vehicle, which has enabled NAAR to commit $10 million in grants and fellowships to fund more than 117 autism research projects worldwide since 1997.

Alex and his mom met with Clay’s manager who then introduced them to Clay. Alex’s face just glowed with excitement when he met Clay. He couldn't believe his dream came true! Alex gave Clay souvenirs from his favorite football team, the Buffalo Bills, and Monica shared information about the upcoming walk for autism and NAAR. They had photos taken together to capture this special day together. Finally, Clay surprised Alex for his birthday, and gave him tickets to watch the American Idol concert. Alex said that Clay’s new song "Invisible" really showed the depth and range, which Clay is so well known for. He really loved the show and hearing Clay sing live!!

Clay Aiken is more than just a singing sensation to Alex and his mom. He is someone who truly cares about children and autism. He will always hold a special place in Alex’s life and will remain his "American Idol."

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Monica Moshenko, Co-Chair, at 716-522-9185, email monica@poweradvocates. Opportunities for corporate sponsorships are still available and donations accepted. To learn more about the Buffalo walk for autism online by visiting the website http://www.autismwalk.org  (Buffalo)