Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) or Alcohol-Related Neurological Disabilities (ARND) is a cornucopia of disabilities caused by irreversible brain damage which is ONLY the result of prenatal exposure to alcohol.
FAS Helping Hands will help those living with, raising and teaching those with FAS/FAE or ARND to better cope with the life they live, to learn more about this set of disabilities, and to make a difference in the lives of those afflicted with these birth defects.
FAS Helping Hands is dedicated to educating the community about FAS/FAE or ARND to promote prevention as well as the support and care necessary for success in these families.
CALL 757-253-8059 if you ...
~ are interested in participating in support meetings.
~ would like to learn more about FAS/FAE or ARND.
~ would like to make a difference in your community for those
with FAS/FAE or ARND and their families.
FAS Helping Hands will meet monthly in the
Community Room at
The Williamsburg Church of Christ
227 Merrimac Trail
Williamsburg, VA 23185
The FIRST meeting of FAS Helping Hands
is scheduled for
Monday, January 17th at 7:30 pm
WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND IF YOU LIVE IN THE AREA AND ARE IN NEED OF SUPPORT DUE TO FAS/FAE OR ARND.
FAS
Helping Hands
Understands that parents, care givers and families of those with FAS/FAE or ARND need support, education and communication.
Understands the importance of having someone know what you're talking about.
Understands the issues faced in homes, classrooms and in the community because of FAS/FAE or ARND.
Wants to change the outlook (below) for those disabled by FAS/FAE or ARND.
Wants to prevent future births of babies with FAS/FAE or ARND.
Wants to EDUCATE the community so that those with FAS/FAE or ARND are no longer seen as "problem kids," "criminals," "slackers," so that "he doesn't want to learn..." "she doesn't care..." is never heard again!!!
OUTLOOK FOR FAS/FAE
If recent research findings hold true in the future then*:
* Statistics compiled from "Understanding the Occurrence of Secondary Disabilites in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)", 1996 report to CDC, Grant No. R04/CCR008515, by University of Washington School of Medicine, FADU, Seattle, WA
From the founding director
of FAS Helping Hands
Ida M. Farr
As the mother of a child with FAS/FAE, I understand the lives all parents of these children lead. I know how desperate we all become from time to time as new issues arise and when doctors, teachers or family members don't hear our voices about our children.
As of November 1999, I have spent the past five years researching FAS/FAE and alcohol-related birth defects in order to improve my son's life. I have seven hours of training in recognizing the effects of alcohol-related birth defects.
I have personally spoken with Ann Streissguth, who is a very energetic, compassionate woman. She really has dedicated her life to FAS/FAE research to improve the lives of those with "dinged up brains because of alcohol."
Ann encourages all of us to learn everything we can to improve the lives of our children, to educate anyone we can about FAS/FAE, and to "get up and do something to make a difference in your community."
IDA M. FARR (757)253-8059
email: arkhick@bellatlantic.net
http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Pointe/8433