BLOOMFIELD, Conn., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A Cigna
Foundation grant to Achilles International will help determine
whether running holds the key to better mental and physical
development for children with autism. The Cigna Foundation today
announced its $100,000 World of
Difference grant to Achilles International, which has extensive
anecdotal evidence showing that walking and running help people on
the autism spectrum improve their emotional and physical
health.
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"Cigna wants to inspire, champion and celebrate people living on
the autism spectrum, whether they're crossing a finish line or
taking their first step," said Lisa
Bacus, Cigna global chief marketing officer and president of
the Cigna Foundation. "The Achilles program is an outstanding
opportunity for Cigna to contribute to research on effective ways
to improve health for children with autism."
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms
for a group of complex disorders of brain development
characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social
interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive
behaviors. Symptoms usually start before the age of three and can
cause delays in many different skills that develop from infancy to
adulthood. One in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism
spectrum, a tenfold increase over the past 40 years. Half of
children with autism are overweight and at risk for diabetes, heart
disease, bone and joint problems, anxiety and depression.
"Achilles has more than 30 years of experience working with
athletes with disabilities, and currently serves 8,000 children
nationwide. Extensive research demonstrates the benefits of
running, including weight loss, improved endurance, stress
management, brain cell development and academic performance,"
explained Dick Traum, Achilles
International founder. "Now our goal is to develop quantitative
measures proving that running has beneficial effects on children
with autism."
Children who participate in the Achilles autism program,
targeted to begin in the spring of 2015, would come from public
schools in the New York Metro area
where there is an existing Achilles Kids program that already
offers an active running curriculum. At the end of the program, all
participants will participate in a goal race – the annual Hope
& Possibility Race held in Central Park, New York – which will help motivate children
and validate success. Achilles will administer questions to parents
and teachers designed to measure a series of health benchmarks
before and after children participate in the program. Where
possible, children will offer feedback. Cigna employees from many
disciplines will help craft assessment questions, analyze data and
advise Achilles on ways to use technology and
measurements. Cigna volunteers also will serve as running
guides for the children.
Cigna has a proud and long history with Achilles, including
helping adults and children with special needs to take part in the
annual Walt Disney World ®
Marathon Weekend and referring Cigna customers with long-term
disabilities to Achilles to help them gain a sense of achievement
through training and running in a race, important milestones in
their recovery.
"If the Achilles autism program proves successful, this
collaboration between Cigna and Achilles will be a valuable
addition to the field of autism study and treatment," Figliuzzi
said. "We have the chance to be a tremendous help to families and
health care professionals and to create a breakthrough in helping
children with autism stay active, set goals and be healthy."
The Cigna Foundation established the new World of Difference
grants this year to work with nonprofits that are improving
children's wellness, senior care, women's health and health equity
– which represent the four social priorities for Cigna's corporate
responsibility platform known as Cigna Connects. Grant
recipients are chosen according to Cigna's mission and
opportunities to work with Cigna toward achieving meaningful change
with measurable impact on health and well-being.
About the Cigna Foundation
The Cigna Foundation,
founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions
from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna
Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to
enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the
well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those
communities where Cigna employees live and work.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global
health service company dedicated to helping people improve their
health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services
are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of
Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance
Company of North America and Cigna
Life Insurance Company of New
York. Such products and services include an integrated suite
of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health,
pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products
including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna
maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and
has more than 80 million customer relationships throughout the
world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on
Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
About Achilles International
Achilles International
has been a leader in the field of disability athletics since its
founding in 1982. Our mission is to enable people with disabilities
to participate in mainstream athletics, particularly long distance
running. This enhances self-esteem, improves health and fitness,
and introduces people with disabilities to achievement. We have
programs for wounded veterans, children with disabilities and
people throughout NYC, the United
States and worldwide. www.achillesinternational.org
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SOURCE Cigna Foundation and Achilles International