Clay's Law...

I know this is sort of a Charlie blog thing, but I'm posting it here too.... its worth it.

We wanted to put the word out there... This would be humongous for kids like Charlie. Sad that we can get Viagra covered by insurance, but that these Autistic kids get no help.

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Dear Utah Autism Advocate!

Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over 20 states across the nation including Utah!

Yesterday, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the Utah State legislature. Senate Bill 43, "Clay's Law" sponsored by State Senator Howard A. Stephenson (R-11) will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Clay's Law will cover early intensive behavioral therapies and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist.
There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Utah should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!

We need your help to get support for Clay's Law from your State Senator...
HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR STATE SENATOR! Let them know that you support Clay's Law (SB 43), that you need them to support Clay's Law, and that passage of Clay's Law would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Utah. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!

2. STAY INFORMED ON CLAY'S LAW! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!

3. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Utah that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at www.autismvotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Utah, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Utah.

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Thanks everyone for your love and support.

Great deal on gifts for your friends or family in the military!

Hickory Farms is having a 75% off sale on a lot of their yummy gift packages and goodies. The shipping is a little pricey BUT they offer FREE SHIPPING to APO//FPO Military addresses. What a fun little treat to send to someone serving our country to show our support! (Thanks to my sister Lorri for this info!)

http://www.hickoryfarms.com/category~name~Military%20Gifts~c~600.asp
This link will take you to gift packages designed specifically for the military but there are lots of other options at this link http://www.hickoryfarms.com/ Everything from meats, cheeses and crackers to dried fruit to chocolates and treats for super cheap!
Just make sure you check for certain food restrictions in the country you are shipping to before you send something.

Not sure if these codes work but you can try and use them at your own risk...
Possible code:
10% off your order TAKE10
15% off code: 833551

If you don't know any soldiers but still want to support them, you can find some at http://www.anysoldier.com/

Enjoy!!

Donations for the Christensen Family

All,

Bishop Cope, Bryce's bishop, has set up an account at Zions Bank for any who wish to help with funeral and related expenses for the Christensen family. You may choose to do so in lieu of flowers. Any who are so inclined may donate to the "Bryce Christensen Donation Account" at any branch of Zions Bank.

Best,
Bishop

Our Love and Prayers are with President Christensen and his Family

I've struggled with whether or not to post this, but feel like it is appropriate to spread the word to members of the ward who may know and love the Christensens, but are not aware of the situation.

Wednesday morning our Stake President's son Bryce, who just got back from his mission a month ago, was killed in a car accident (http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/295350/).

The Stake Executive Secretary has passed along information for the services.

o Viewing, Sunday, January 11, 2009, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Walker Mortuary
o Viewing, Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Relief Society Room, Stake Center
o Funeral, Monday, January 12, 2009, 11:00-12:00 noon, Chapel, Stake Center
o Interment, Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:30-1:00 p.m., Spanish Fork Cemetery

We love President Christensen and his wife. They are wonderful examples of Christlike people who serve willingly. I'd invite all to keep them in your prayers.

Best,
Bishop