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Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - World Autism Awareness Day

Letter

Date: March 28, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

Today, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) sent a letter to President Obama, asking him to light the White House in blue lights in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. In his letter to the President, Murphy acknowledged the prevalence of autism in our society, and expressed concern about the increasing rates of autism among children. A copy of Murphy's letter to President Obama is reprinted below.

March 28, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to respectfully ask that you help bring attention to World Autism Awareness day on April 2nd by flooding the White House in blue lights. By participating in the Light it Up Blue campaign, you would be sending a strong signal to parents of autistic children and the general public that your administration places a high priority to their cause.

As you know, an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the United States and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. It is estimated that one in every 110 children and one out of every 70 boys are diagnosed with autism. According to some studies, the prevalence of autism is growing by 10-17 percent annually and it is now more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Beyond the toll it takes on parents and family members, it is estimated that autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year.

By commemorating World Autism Awareness Day by lighting up the White House blue, you would be joining millions of others applauding the work by those with autism and their families while recognizing the challenges that lie ahead. Additionally, the White House would be joining other notable landmarks across the world including the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House and the CN Tower in Toronto.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY
Member of Congress


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