Grandmother Raises Thousands of Dollars for NAA through Unique Website

Nixa, MO - A Rhode Island grandmother has raised thousands of dollars for the National Autism Association through a virtual train ride placed on her website.  Phyllis Cahoon, mother of NAA president Wendy Fournier, put "Pixie's Train Ride" together shortly after the unexpected death of her brother, Michael.

The train takes its visitors on a reflective look at life and those we love.  It reminds us of the many people who have contributed to our personal journeys and the ones who sadly left the train far too early.

"When I read the verses of the Train Ride, they touched me very deeply.  I created the web page for my family and friends to visit with the hope that it would help us to heal after the loss of my brother," said Phyllis. "I never expected so many visitors to find this little page."

Phyllis saw an opportunity to use this web site as a tool to educate people around the world about the struggles facing families like her own who are affected by autism.  She set up a fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/pixiesplace where visitors to her site can make a donation to help "make their destination a better place."  In just over a month, she has raised over $27,000 for the National Autism Association.

To date, 1.8 million visitors have boarded Pixie's Train Ride.  You can enjoy the ride at http://www.pixiesplace.com/trainride.