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Join in with The Forever Story

A Novel Online Story Idea and TalkTalk Raises Money for Autism

Aug 22, 2008 Victoria Oldham

"For the first nineteen years of his life, Johnny Razor wasn't Johnny Razor at all. He was Malcolm Weatherly, and he was born in Mile End Underground station on the night

These are the first words of The Forever Story, the brain child of CHI & Partners. It is a unique way to raise money for children with Autism. Launched August 11th, the idea is that it will be the longest collective story every written, by both amateurs as well as well known authors. It is fascinating to see the twists and turns a story will take when written by so many people over time.

Begun by Nick Hornby, author of the most recent The Complete Polysyllabic Spree, the story can be continued by any person wanting to continue the story (using only thirty five words or less). Already, as of the date of this publication, more than seventy five contributors have added to the story, including authors Robert Harris (Conspiracy, 2008) playwright Tom Stoppard, and screenwriter Richard Curtis ("Vicar of Dibley", "The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency").

For every bit of story added, TalkTalk will donate one pound (about two US dollars at the current rate). TalkTalk, which became the official partner of the TreeHouse trust when it acquired Onetel in 2005, has a donation target of £50,000 from the concept. According to TreeHouse’s website, it takes nearly one million pounds a year to keep their program going.

What is autism?

Autism is a neurological disease that impairs a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and fully comprehend the world around them. There is no known cure, and for some reason tends to affect boys four times more than girls. It is also estimated that it now effects one in every one-hundred children in the UK, one in every one-hundred fifty in the USA. It is also listed as the fastest growing developmental disability.

The Autism Society of America offers online courses to assist both those caring for and medical professionals to learn about the disability and how to give the best care possible to those with Autism.

Organizations helping with Autism

TreeHouse, the recipient of the funds raised by The Forever Story, was founded in 1997 by parents with children diagnosed with severe Autism. TreeHouse provides education for people with autism, as well as for their families and medical professionals.

The Association of Behavior Analysis handles the research aspects of autism, continually striving to find answers to not only make the disability manageable, but to find the cause and cure.

Go to The Forever Story and take part in a fun way to raise money for a great cause.

The copyright of the article Join in with The Forever Story in Lifestyle/Pop Culture Books is owned by Victoria Oldham. Permission to republish Join in with The Forever Story in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.