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Celebrity Jenny McCarthy Talks about Autism and her New Book




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Interview with Jenny McCarthy

By Patricia Crosby
First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE,FL -- Jenny McCarthy is used to being in the spotlight for her acting and modeling career, even her relationship with Jim Carrey.

But now she's getting a lot of attention for a more private side of her life, her struggles to help her son Evan recover from autism.

Jenny is releasing her new book today called "Louder than Words." It's her fourth book and what she believes is her most important one.

"This book is everything to me. It's about faith, it's about loving your child no matter what. It's about acceptance," said McCarthy.

I caught up with McCarthy at the HEAL Gala last June.

She was promoting her book, saying it would shake things up.

But, she didn't want to go into much detail until her book was actually released.

This week, she's on a media tour.

On the 18th, she'll be on Oprah; 20/20 the 21st; Good Morning America the 24th; and Larry King the 26th.

During my interview, she shared with me some of the struggles she's faced in helping her son Evan.

"I got the 'I'm sorry you've got autism' shove out the door. You'd think, here I am in L.A. and people would be knocking on my door offering to help. And, no...nothing. I had to dig and beg, just like everyone else," said McCarthy.

And, it was this journey, that lead her to Dr. Jerry Kartzinel of Pediatric Partners of Ponte Vedra.

McCarthy says he's been instrumental in helping Evan, who can now express himself and hold full conversations.

"When my son was diagnosed back in 2002 with autism, I had this vision in my head of him playing with his friends at a birthday party and on May 18th, that came true. And, he's doing really great," said McCarthy.

When it comes to hopes and dreams for Evan, McCarthy says "My dream is for me to watch him marry his bride someday."

For more information on Jenny's new book and on the local charity HEAL (Healing Every Autistic Life), click here..


Also, the new dates for next HEAL Gala and golf tournament at the PGA Tour's TPC Sawgrass have been set for June 26th & 27th, 2008.

The first one was the most successful charity fundraiser ever on the First Coast, raising almost $400,000.

Created: 9/17/2007 9:43:46 AM