Ladies Spring Kick Off For Autism Speaks raised funds and awareness for Autism Speaks.
On Saturday, April 5, owner Pam Corrado of Main Street Inn, on 401 West Main St., donated the use of her Boutique Hotel for an Autism Speaks Charity Event that focused on bringing a new awareness and education of health to Kutztown.
‘What I like about the event is finding that doTERRA products can help Autism and making more people aware of them and how they’re used in helping our bodies get back into liniment, with life enhancing benefits and different (varieties) that would appeal to all people, from those who knew nothing of essential oils,’ said event organizer Vicki Held.
‘I know many young people with this, very interested finding ways to help them cope in everyday living and raising money to find the cure,’ said Held.
A portion of the proceeds from the event benefited Autism Speaks.
‘Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization,’ according to the Autism Speaks website, http://www.autismspeaks.org. ‘Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.’
Wellness advocate Tracie York Poerazaff, of Raleigh, N.C., a more than 20 year educational therapist and certified in AromaTOUCH, was the speaker at this charity event.
‘At the present, there is no cure, so families who deal with Autism typically rely on medications and nutritional alternatives to manage these areas. Many families are unaware that Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are being used to manage so many aspects of Autism,’ Poerazaff wrote to The Kutztown Patriot.
She hopes people learned from the event that Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are ‘unlike the mainstream oil market in that they are so pure they can be ingested. Because CPTG oils have the highest purity, potency and medicinal value they make a great first option before turning to pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs. CPTG essential oils are being used to help manage Autistic behaviors and emotions.’
Highlights of the lecture included that these oils allow people to be in control of their own health care, limit the time and money spent in the doctors office and on prescriptions that have side effects and in some cases are ineffective.
‘They are used as a safe, effective method to deal with health and emotional issues such as: stress, anxiety, panic attacks, aggression, irritability, insomnia, colds, viruses, joint/muscle pain, allergies, sinus congestion, skin rashes, dry skin, autoimmune diseases, and more,’ said Poerazaff.
When asked about the significance of Autism Speaks, Poerazaff said, ‘This charity has provided numerous families with support, empowered them with knowledge and educated the world about what autism is, what we can do to help.’
She has worked with and created programs for children with special needs since 1990.
‘I have a passion for reaching the mind and heart of children and also to provide support and resources to families,’ Poerazaff said. ‘Each situation of Autism is different and every family needs a wide variety of options to choose from. I use many multi-sensory approaches and the essential oils have been a tremendous, affordable tool in my arsenal of options.’
The charity event also included 10 Minute Massages by West End Salon, raffles throughout the day and a Vendor Show including Origami Owl jewelry, Scentsy candles, Thirty-One bags, and flowers. A portion of the proceeds raised by the vendors at this event will go to support Autism Speaks!
‘What I enjoyed most about the event? It thrills me to watch so many people’s reaction when they find a new way to take control of their health, and find an alternative way to deal with some of the issues of Autism,’ said Poerazaff. ‘I love teaching, so any opportunity I get to empower people with education so they can make better, healthier choices I take on with zeal. I was thrilled that Pam, the owner, donated her bed and breakfast for this event and how Vickie Held, coordinated all the events for the day.’
Held invited Poerazaff to Kutztown again and is organizing another event on May 13.