“Charlie Brown famously said that ‘It’s not what’s under the Christmas Tree that matters, its who’s around it.’ We hope the members of the Fund’s family look at this ornament on their tree and reflect on the community that we have built over the past 15 years.” – Karen Guenther

QUANTICO, Va. (PRWEB)
November 22, 2019

Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund Holiday Ornament Packing Party Celebrates 11-Year Anniversary

Top-Rated Veteran Charity Kicks off Holiday Season Packing with 18,000 Holiday Ornaments to Bring Cheer to Service Members Worldwide

For the 11th year in a row, hundreds of volunteers will come together at General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller VFW Post 1503 for the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund annual Holiday Ornament Packing Party.

The Packing Party will include 18,000 holiday ornaments – which embody the holiday cheer and bears the Fund’s logo – packaged and prepared for mailing. Next week, the ornaments will be mailed to Service members, Veterans and their Families from all branches of the Armed Forces who have been wounded, ill or injured since the attacks of 9/11.

“We always look forward to this event as the kickoff of our Holiday Season at the Fund,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO and Founder of the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund. “Charlie Brown famously said that ‘It’s not what’s under the Christmas Tree that matters, its who’s around it.’ We hope the members of the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund family look at this ornament on their tree and reflect on the community that we have built over the past 15 years.”

For the 2019 ornament packing party, over 300 volunteers will come together from organizations like Gar-Field Senior High School Marine Corps JROTC, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Manassas Young Marines, and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“I am amazed at how the local community here in Virginia comes together each year to help us make an impact in people’s lives,” says Guenther. “These ornaments are a reminder to our Service members, Veterans and their loved ones that they are part of a larger family, and that we have made a lifetime commitment to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.”

The video from the 2018 Ornament Packing Party can be found here: https://youtu.be/l2bsIJ0D4TI

Additional information about the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund, and the work they do to support combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families can be found at the organization’s website: semperfifund.org.

About the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund

The Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund provide urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case Managers from the Fund work one-on-one with Service members and Veterans to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetimes. The Fund keeps its overhead extremely low in order to have the greatest impact on the lives of Service members and Veterans, and has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: A+ from CharityWatch (one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating last year), nine consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator (an achievement attained by only 3% of rated charities) and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. Learn more at http://www.semperfifund.org.

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Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., partner in the law firm of Littman Krooks LLP

“I am honored to be nominated and elected as Vice President of the Special Needs Alliance and look forward to continuing to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (PRWEB)
November 18, 2019

Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., a partner with the law firm of Littman Krooks LLP, has been named Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Special Needs Alliance (SNA), a national organization comprised of attorneys who practice law and advocate for people living with special needs and disabilities, the elderly, and their families.

Amy said, “I am honored to be nominated and elected as Vice President of the Special Needs Alliance and look forward to continuing to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

Membership in the Alliance is only obtained via an invitation from the SNA and is limited to those who meet its professional standards in the area of disability law and advocacy. It signifies that the member attorney is recognized amongst his/her peers as a notable attorney practicing special needs law.

Amy’s practice is focused in the areas of special needs planning, estate planning and administration, trust administration, guardianship, personal injury settlement consulting and elder law. She lectures frequently to advocacy organizations and families on the importance of proper planning for families of children with special needs. She also publishes articles relating to estate and special needs planning.

She is recognized as Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), the only organization approved by the American Bar Association to offer certification in the area of elder law.

Amy is a member of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), Elder Law and Trusts & Estates Sections of the NYSBA, Westchester County Bar Association, and Mamaroneck-Harrison-Larchmont Bar Association. She also is a member and President-Elect of the board of directors of Westchester Disabled on the Move, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life, independence and the rights for all people with disabilities.

To learn more about Amy C. O’Hara, click here.

About Littman Krooks LLP

Littman Krooks LLP provides sophisticated legal advice and the high level of expertise ordinarily associated with large law firms along with the personal attention and responsiveness of smaller firms. These ingredients, which are the cornerstone of effective representation and necessary to a successful lawyer/client relationship, have become the foundation of the firm’s success.

Littman Krooks LLP offers legal services in several areas of law, including elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, special education advocacy, and corporate and securities. Their offices are located at 655 Third Avenue, New York, New York and 399 Knollwood Road, White Plains, New York. For more information about Littman Krooks LLP, visit http://www.littmankrooks.com.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)
November 18, 2019

“Daily Messages of Hope: God Is Our Source”: a brilliant medium of embracing the power of God through understanding His word that will help one get by day by day. “Daily Messages of Hope: God Is Our Source” is the creation of published author Mary Idella Criswell, a disabled homemaker who was an assistant director in the hospitality field. Because of an injury at work, she wasn’t able to continue working in 2002. Despite the incident, she’s happy to develop a closer relationship with her family. She joined the Powerhouse of Chicago in 2007 and she enjoys working in the pastoral care ministry to assist families.

Criswell shares, “Daily Messages of Hope is a book designed to provide scriptures that help us deal with daily problems that we encounter in our daily lives. It lets us know that God is our source. The scripture gives us insight on how to confront issues through the reading of God’s word. It will let us know that we all have a purpose in life. We all have gifts, but we must plow through the clutter in our lives to receive those gifts. We all need inspiration and motivation, which can be freely obtained through the reading of the Holy bible.

“By doing this, we can obtain the knowledge we need to survive in this world and prepare for eternal life. We need to rebirth new ideas through the power of God. We must give all our praise and worship to God, not man. I hope this book can provide some daily assistance in the area of faith. We all must maintain a healthy relationship with God, not just when we are in need. We need to listen and acknowledge God’s word. Through God, power and anointing those chains that have been keeping us in bondage can be broken. We just need to believe in him.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Mary Idella Criswell’s new book is an important read that utilizes the Scripture in order to help any reader face their life’s daily problems and to trust in God that He can break any chains of struggle.

View a synopsis of “Daily Messages of Hope: God Is Our Source” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase“Daily Messages of Hope: God Is Our Source” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Daily Messages of Hope: God Is Our Source,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Chris Olver, Executive Director, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
November 13, 2019

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chris Olver as its new Executive Director. Chris is a nonprofit leader with proven fundraising and storytelling track records with mission-driven organizations on three continents.

“Chris brings a special medley of skills, longtime nonprofit experience, and passion that will serve us well as we continue to build CPARF into a global research leader in the cerebral palsy (CP) space, changing the lives of people with CP and the lives of those who care for and about them,” said CPARF’s Chairman, Jean-Louis Lelogeais, on behalf of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to have Chris join us.”

As a former filmmaker, development director, and executive leader, Chris is uniquely equipped to steer CPARF’s growth and narrative into the next exciting phase. He has spent the last five years serving as the Associate Executive Director of Ramapo for Children, a national education reform organization based in New York City.

Chris feels a deeply personal pull toward CPARF’s mission to advance cutting-edge research that will change the lives of 18 million people of all ages with CP. As the father to two young children who were born prematurely — one at 28 weeks and one at 29 weeks — Chris shared that he and his family, “have directly benefited from research into CP prevention and detection, including specific research-driven practices funded by CPARF.”

He is energized by this opportunity and says, “It’s incredibly humbling and inspiring to have the chance to use my professional experience and skills to continue to expand that research and our impact on people with CP.”

CP is the most common childhood-onset physical disability in the world, but it’s one of the most underfunded. CPARF aims to change that by carving a prominent place for CP in the national consciousness, and by funding and harnessing the forward momentum of CP research in several promising areas, including chronic pain treatment alternatives, thought-to-speech communication, and regenerative medicine.

CPARF’S MISSION

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation won’t stop until people with CP can live pain-free, until they can live the lives they envision for themselves, and until they can express what’s on their mind and be understood even when they can’t communicate verbally. We won’t stop until we can prevent CP in the first place. We won’t stop until we find a cure.

We work with the best US-based scientists and foster nationwide and global collaboration between the brightest researchers. We ensure they can share their breakthroughs and advances with each other. As the only organization in the world solely focused on CP research, CPARF is poised to reshape the disability landscape. We’re poised to make breakthroughs. We are poised to change lives.

To learn more about CPARF’s funded research projects, visit http://www.cparf.org or contact info@cparf.org.

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Carsten Nicolaus, MD, PhD, Founder and Director of BCA-Clinic, Augsburg, Germany

“We were very encouraged by the increase in attendees this year and especially the number of doctors that attended,” said Dr. Nicolaus.

AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB)
November 12, 2019

Following the success of the first European Morgellons Disease Conference held in 2018, the BCA-clinic and The Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation (CEHMDF) held their second European Morgellons Disease Conference on October 11th and 12th in Augsburg, Germany. The conference was attended by patients and doctors and medical providers from Germany, Austria, Hungary, Norway, Canada, USA, Russia, Switzerland, France, England, and Italy.

A highlight of the conference this year was the addition of an extensive training session that was available to all medical providers on Friday. This training session, headed by Carsten Nicolaus, MD, PhD, and founder of the BCA-clinic was highly praised by the attendees who gained new insights and knowledge into treating Morgellons disease patients. “We were very encouraged by the increase in attendees this year and especially the number of doctors that attended,” said Dr. Nicolaus.

The Conference on Saturday began with a welcome to all from Dr. Nicolaus. Melissa Fesler, FNP-BC presented an overview of the relevant Morgellons literature that has been published in the past year. Professor Carlo Maria Mortellaro, DVM, presented information on Digital Dermatitis in cattle, which has many similarities to Morgellons disease. Carsten Nicolaus spoke about diagnosis and testing of patients as well as conventional, alternative and integrative treatments for the disease. Cindy Casey-Holman RN, Director of the CEHMDF spoke about her journey with Morgellons disease, the formation and mission of the foundation and the progress that has been made in the past few years. Marianne Middelveen, MS, MDes gave a presentation entitled “Morgellons Disease 2019, Where are we today?”

Highlights of the recently premiered documentary, Skin Deep: The Battle Over Morgellons were shown. This film is presently available for screening at universities, medical schools, libraries, etc. Information on the film is available at Morgellonsmovie.org.

For further information on Morgellons Disease please visit the website.

About the Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation:

The Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation, based in Austin, TX, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to advocacy and philanthropy in the battle against Morgellons disease. Director, Cindy Casey-Holman, RN, leads the foundation, named for her husband, Charles E. Holman, a pioneer in the fight against Morgellons disease. Currently, there is no public funding and very limited private funding to support research for this disease, and the CEHMDF is the recognized authority and primary funding source for Morgellons disease medical/scientific research. Donations are tax-deductible in the US. To learn more about Morgellons disease go to: http://www.MorgellonsDisease.org

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“From perfect stocking stuffers to 2019 Top Toy Award winning PunkinPlaySpace, our accessible products unleash the power of play for every child” says PunkinFutz CEO and founder, Lisa Radcliffe, “while the company’s adaptive workforce positively models that child’s future.”

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
November 07, 2019

PUNKINFUTZ PUTS CHILDREN FIRST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Company Creates Innovative & Imaginative Therapeutic Play Products

Just Right for That Special Young Someone

Looking for the ultimate gift to spark imagination and self-expression for a child with adaptive needs this holiday season? Look no further. PunkinFutz, an innovative company that designs and produces award-winning therapeutic play products has the perfect solution.

The company partners with occupational therapists, parents, designers and children to develop and test its products. All original PunkinFutz products are manufactured in the United States by adults with disabilities in supportive workplaces. Purchasers can be proud knowing that their thoughtful gifting supports a vital social mission.

“From perfect stocking stuffers to the 2019 Top Toy Award winning PunkinPlaySpace, these accessible products unleash the power of play for every child,” says PunkinFutz CEO and founder, Lisa Radcliffe, “while the company’s adaptive workforce positively models that child’s future.”

PRODUCTS DESIGNED WITH FIDGETING IN MIND

Imagine the endless possibilities with the company’s line of PunkinFidgets. Its PomPoms provide multiple options for sensory interaction, including catch and release, hand and upper extremity exercise, calming and focus. These colorful cartwheel-shaped items come in large and small sizes and are ideal for quiet environments – the car, theater or classroom.

For sensory-seekers, the Scratchy Squares are the first scratchy fidget ever sold. Sized to fit in small hands with slight weight to work either with the PunkinHug compression vests or on its own, they help support focus, calm and self-control.

The brightly colored Marble Maze has engaging textures that can be also be used on its own or paired with the vest. The maze supports focus, helps to increase hand and finger strength, and builds fine motor skills.

ACCESSORY BAGS IN BOLD, BEAUTIFUL SHAPES AND COLORS

If a child is on the move, then the PunkinPie is ideal. These patented, trendy accessory bags carry inhalers, wallets, ID cards, cellphones, EpiPens – anything they may need to keep close at hand. Designed especially for wheelchairs, PunkinPies will also work on walkers, scooters, strollers, bicycles and carts for the coolest ride on the block. They are water resistant; highly reflective, using fabrics created for the US Military and first responders; ensure easy access with pull zippers and Velcro straps; and are durable and washable to make for easy cleaning and use. The options of colors and patches make them a personalized expression for every child’s style.

Nearly 20 percent of U.S. children have physical, developmental, sensory and/or emotional disabilities – affecting approximately one out of five or 8.2 million American children between the ages of 4 and 12.1 PunkinFutz is creating products specifically for this underserved population, because research shows creative play is a powerful development tool for children with disabilities.

“As the mother of two children with adaptive needs, I am inspired every day to make a positive difference for them and for others,” says Radcliffe. “PunkinFutz employs a fully adaptive workforce and produces the highest quality products that fulfill multiple therapeutic goals. We use universal design, so our products can be enjoyed by children of all abilities.”

The company is the recipient of 11 toy industry awards in three years for its innovative products. Products range in price from $12.00 to $85.00 and can be purchased online at http://www.PunkinFutz.com.

“If you’re looking for an intentional gift, PunkinFutz products have value on many levels,” adds Radcliffe.

About PunkinFutz:

Launched in 2016, PunkinFutz uses universal design to create therapeutic play products for children with a broad range of physical, sensory, developmental and emotional needs. PunkinFutz products promote individual expression, creativity and imagination. All PunkinFutz original products are manufactured in the USA in supportive and adaptive workplaces using the highest quality materials and responsible sourcing. PunkinFutz has won eleven awards for its innovative products and is a member of the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). Founder Lisa Radcliffe is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Council for Exceptional Children. All PunkinFutz products meet ASTM F963 standards.

1 National Profile of Children with Special Health Care Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Key Findings from the 2009/10 NS‐CSHCN & 2011/12 NSCH, https://www.childhealthdata.org/

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