Employee Writes Humorous Memoir to Prevent #1 Viral Cause of Birth Defects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 7, 2008

CONTACT: Zipora Reitman

(845) 574 - 4595

SUNY Rockland Employee Writes Humorous Memoir to
Prevent #1 Viral Cause of Birth Defects—More Common Than Down Syndrome

Sales made through RCC Foundation benefit scholarships for students with disabilities

Suffern, NY - In an effort to prevent the #1 viral cause of mental and physical handicaps, more common that Down syndrome, the SUNY Rockland Community College Communications Assistant wrote the humorous account of a big, homeless dog’s devotion to her daughter, who was severely disabled by congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus).

Lisa Saunders will make the special advance release of her book, “Anything But a Dog! The perfect pet for a girl with congenital CMV,” published by Unlimited Publishing LLC, available at a book signing on Thursday, October 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Rockland Community College, Cultural Arts Center Atrium. For copies sold through the RCC Foundation, Lisa will donate 25% of the proceeds to scholarships for students with special needs. The book is not yet sold in bookstores (public availability expected early 2009).

Congenital CMV permanently disables approximately 8000 children a year. Saunders has been asked to speak on the disease to an international community of scientists and health practitioners at the 2008 Congenital Cytomegalovirus Conference at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (Nov. 5-7). www.cmvconference2008.com

For more information about the book, which retails for $14.99, contact Lisa Saunders at 845-574-4244, lsaunde2@sunyrockland.edu or visit her Web site at www.authorlisasaunders.com. For more information on how to purchase a book through the RCC Foundation, contact Don Cairns, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 845-574-4576, dcairns@sunyrockland.edu.

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.