Nakesha Anthony & Christina Mendez are my Spotlight Divas that are making great strides when it comes to their careers. In addition to their careers, they both are Philanthropist, finding the time to give back to their communities through their individual causes. I ask that you support March for Babies and Walk Now For Autism, by either volunteering your time or sponsoring them by giving a monetary donation. Yes, there is little we want to give in such times, but I am a FIRM BELIEVER of GIVING BACK, not to receive, but because IT’S GOOD FOR THE SOUL!
Christina Mendez, beautiful Model and Mother to her gorgeous son Damian, pictured here, has given her time to making people aware of Autism. April is Autism Awareness Month and Christina has made her voice heard in spreading the message about Autism with interviews on
Belle-Noire Blog Talk Radio and with Cindy Hsu from
CBS News
. Damian was diagnosed with Autism when he was two-years old, and his parents were told that he would never communicate with anyone. Now Damian is twelve, communicates very well and is bi-lingual. Damian’s parents did their research to make sure he lived an interactive life! The key they say is early diagnosis and intervention.
Christina asks, “Did you know that more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with AIDS, Cancer or Diabetes, combined?” Well, it’s a fact that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism. “Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.”* Christina needs your assistance in raising funds for the
Autism Speaks: Walk Now For Autism. Christina has formed
Team Mendez to raise funds and awareness for the June 14th Walk, taking place in New York City at the South Street Seaport.
Nakesha Anthony, has always been interested in advocacy for different public health issues. While in Medical School, she rotated in the Pediatric Department, and became fascinated by the strength of babies, especially

the preemies. Nakesha states, “Soon, I found myself spending more time in the premature section of the hospital dealing with the parents and the babies and this is when I knew that I was considering a career as a Neonatologist. I remember hearing about the walk for the March of Dimes, when I went to the bank and they had signs for their team. I searched on the Internet and signed up as an individual walker. This was in 2007 and I have been walking since. I also have babies in my family that were born as preemies so this is a very important cause for me to support. Although these babies are very strong, they still need a voice to fight and to speak up for them. Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. The funds that are raised for the walk, support research that saves babies’ lives.”
“The March of Dimes uses 77 cents of every dollar you raise in March for Babies to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick.”* Read more about how the March of Dimes, helped Baby Alex, pictured to the left, by clicking the link. Please support Nakesha by either volunteering to walk or giving a donation by going to her March for Babies Webpage.
Both of these women are advocating for very important causes that are growing issues in our communities. Won’t you lend a hand in supporting them!
April 26, 2009
Eisenhower Memorial Park
East Meadow, Long Island
6 Mile Walk
June 14, 2009
South Street Seaport, New York City
1.5-3 Mile Walk
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I am also for Autism! I have worked with in the the past and still presently work with some children that are autistic. And indeed it is a very important disorder that with early intervention, and diagnosis, a child can live a better life. Kudos to Christina for her dedication. A lot of parents don’t know what to do, or dont look for resources for help and support- causing their children to live a very unhappy and difficult life. Im very happy for Damian, in fact I wouldn’t mind taking lessons from him in his second language. lol. But seriously, Autism is a very important disorder for everyone to be aware of, because everyone atleast once in their life, will come in contact with a person who has autism or another disorder in the spectrum. So Christina, thank you for this awarness. And Donna thank you again, for always being supportive and for sharing various information for us bloggers to read. >As you can see, I am especially for the public health issues regarding children. They are so important and innocent. They need us. So please, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!
one more thing, Christina, I always wanted the ribbon that goes on your car for autism. Do you know how I can get one?
Its wonderfull to see such dedicated young adults, making a difference not just in someones life but helping to enhance this world.kuddos to all!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Members of North Shore University Hosp Staff
Thank you Kesh for your kind words, I like to do what I can to show my support!
Thank you to the Members of North Shore University Hospital Staff! It’s great when we can give back and help one another! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I just want to say that my March of Dimes walk was GREAT! It was great exercise, great weather, and lots of people. Thanks to all supporters!