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Dick Koch was truly an original. His charm, dedication and humor engaged anyone who worked with him. His deep commitment to his patients made them feel more like family members than clients – and his vision and determination changed society.

Described as a man of “passionate empathy,” Dick Koch exemplified the art of the possible. He lived in a world of “Why not? Let’s try” – and that made all the difference in the lives of literally thousands of people.

Most individuals are fortunate if they have even one area of endeavor where they make a mark. Dick had several – as renowned pediatrician and PKU researcher, as a pioneer in the field of improved services for individuals with developmental disabilities, as teacher and as social justice activist.

Read More at Lanterman.org »

Walk to End Epilepsy Coming October 16 to Rose Bowl

The Walk to End Epilepsy, coming Sunday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Rose Bown in Pasadena, empowers the epilepsy community to increase awareness and inspire others to join the fight to end epilepsy. Your active participation raises funds for care, advocacy and education, today, while we invest in research and hope for tomorrow.

The event is more than a walk. The Walk’s Epilepsy Community Resource Fair provides fun activities for all participants while connecting individuals and families affected by epilepsy to information and support services.

For more information visit http://give.end-epilepsy.org.

CareNowLA to Provide Free Medical, Dental and Vision Care in Los Angeles October 20 to 23

CareNow, in partnership with Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and numerous health organizations, will be hosting the largest free clinic of its kind in the nation from Thursday to Sunday, October 20 to 23, 2011, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena located at 3939 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.

CareNow LA will provide free medical, dental and vision services to the uninsured, underinsured and underserved in our community. They will also provide immunizations and screenings including mammograms and Pap smears. Extensive patient education and counseling will promote wellness, prevention and self-care among our most vulnerable population.

CareNow LA will provide follow-up care for those who need further medical attention beyond the event.. Local clinics and healthcare centers have volunteered to provide medical homes for these patients and will have representatives on site to accept referrals. This is a community wide effort – L.A. helping its own.

Visit http://carenowusa.org/la/event.html for more information.

Please be advised that admission for patients is being managed by wristbands. You must have a wristband to be admitted to the clinic. The wristband is your ticket for entry. Wristbands are free and will be distributed in advance of the clinic to reduce waiting times and excessive crowds at the event itself. You can pick up a wristband at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Monday, October 17. Distribution begins at 1 p.m., however, gates will open at 7 a.m. Wristbands will be given out first come, first served until all wristbands are gone. Only one wristband per person.

Great California ShakeOut Drill Going to Be Held on October 20

Over 25 percent of all earthquake activity in the country happens in the Los Angeles area.

You have an opportunity to participate in an exciting disaster preparedness event happening in our area. This event, the Great California ShakeOut Drill, will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 10:20 a.m., and is the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history.

The Great ShakeOut is based on a potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault - almost equal to Haiti's 7.0 magnitude quake.

This is an opportunity for families, providers and their clients, and staff to prepare for a major earthquake. This drill will help you learn how to stay safe during and respond after an earthquake.

Join us and register to participate in the Great ShakeOut Drill. For more information, visit www.shakeout.org.  It is not a matter of if an earthquake of this size will happen - but when.

DSALA to Host 2011 Buddy Walk at Santa Anita Park on November 13

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Buddy Walks are supported nationally by NDSS and organized in the Los Angeles area by the DSALA. The 2011 Buddy Walk will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

Over the past sixteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to nearly 300 expected in 2011. Last year, 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk As well as the half-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training.

The fun-filled day includes games, crafts, food, entertainment and an information fair - all for the price of admission. It is a great event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.

Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join the DSALA Buddy Walk®. Visit http://buddywalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=487077 for more information about the 2011 DSALA Buddy Walk.