AKO & Charitable Organizations

Helen Keller once wrote, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." I think Ms. Keller would have re-thought that statement had she known American Knockout Wear's philosophy... "Where Shadows Become Legends"® Ms. Keller quoted this to inspire and produce a positive outlook to the world; much like AKO is doing with our clothing line and sponsoring of local and national charities. AKO donates a portion of each sale to benefit families in need, as well as numerous charitable organizations located throughout the United States. With these donations, we hope to make a difference in the quality of lives for individual families and our society as a whole. Not only will you be getting great apparel from AKO, but you can feel good to know you have helped make our country a little stronger and more united.

Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ)

The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville (DSAJ) is a non-profit organization committed to helping people with Down Syndrom achieve their full potential and to help create a community that is educated, supportive, and inclusive of individuals with Down Syndrome. DSAJ envisions a community where all people with Down Syndrome are actively included, given opportunities to participate and contribute as valued citizens, and have the choice to create their own path to fulfillment and success. In 1989, the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville was founded by a handful of families who recognized the need to have a support group in the Jacksonville community. The focus was, and continues to be, to provide awareness and education and to help individuals with Down syndrome reach their potential. DSAJ has continued to grow with over 1,500 individuals, families and community members. "Most of us are parents, but we are also grandparents, friends, professionals and self-advocates. We encourage and support families by offering programs and services and by advocating for people with Down Syndrome. Most of these programs are offered without cost thanks to generous donations made by corporations such as AKO Wear: Individualized Computer Instruction, Computer Classes, Speech Therapy, Social Skills Instruction, Basketball/Soccer Programs, Age Appropriate Social Events, Family Support Meetings, Educational Speakers and Resource Library." You can learn more about Down Syndrome by visiting "Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville".

“DSAJ is proud to be affiliated with American Knockout Wear.  AKO Wear and DSAJ acknowledge individuals who strive to become stars in whatever they set their sights on.  DSAJ envisions a world where all individuals with Down syndrome are included and given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.  AKO Wear is a shining example of a corporation making a difference in the world of Disabilities.” -Jeff Leach, President, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville

PINK JAMS!

I don’t remember the day I met my friend Jen, although I really wish I could. I do, however, remember the day I found out that she was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second child. Jen was amazing - no matter how hard it got, I never saw her lose that infectious laugh, her fighter spirit, and her never-ending courage. Jen lost her fight in 2007. At just 35 years old, she left a husband, two beautiful children, and countless friends and family behind. Jen and this terrible disease have changed my life and I will never just simply write a check again. I learned the hardest way possible that breast cancer can affect men and women under the age of 40. This disease doesn't discriminate. An estimated three million woman are living with breast cancer, one million don't know it yet. This year, nearly 2,000 men will also be diagnosed. Breast cancer, however, does not have to be a death sentence. Early detection and regular screenings can and will save lives. My work with Pink Jams! is in memory of my courageous friend whom I miss so much. And I support breast cancer awareness education programs in honor of the millions of men and woman who are fighting for their lives right now. I hope you will support us in our fight against breast cancer."

10 Things You Need To Know About Breast Cancer 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Women, ages 15-40 die more frequently from breast cancer than any other cancer. Washington, D.C. has the highest mortality rate from breast cancer in the nation. Most national breast cancer organizations recommend mammography starting at age 40. Mammography can detect breast cancer up to two years before you or your doctor can feel a lump. The single largest risk factor to developing breast cancer is being a woman. Men do get breast cancer. Annually about 2,000 men are diagnosed. Early detection is the key. The 5 year survival rate after early stage diagnosis and treatment is nearly 90 percent. The Capital Breast Cancer Center (CBCC), provides breast cancer screening to women in the Washington, D.C. area regardless of their ability to pay. CBCC is currently diagnosing breast cancer at two times the national rate. Inspired by a friend who, at 35, lost her battle with breast cancer, Pink Jams! is committed to saving lives by promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection among younger men and women. Want to get involved? Learn how at PinkJams.org.

“Thank you for your commitment to ALL of the charities - it really does makes a difference.” -Christa L. Floresca, President

Lupus Foundation of America

The DC/MD/VA Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those affected by lupus, directly and indirectly, through education, support activities, and research. The organization provides services to lupus patients and their families in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Central and Northern Virginia.   LFA DC/MD/VA offers patient navigation, current information, education programs, support groups, and personalized help with the questions that arise for those living with lupus and their family and friends, in addition to supporting research and promoting lupus awareness.  All services including patient education and support groups are free of charge. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints and/or organs inside the body). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. With lupus, your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body's healthy tissues and creates autoantibodies ("auto" means "self") to attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can be mild or serious but should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.                                               No one knows what causes lupus. However, scientists believe that hormones, genetics (heredity), and environment are all involved. Visit lupus.org for more information.

Facts About Lupus Lupus is not contagious. Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In the United States alone it is believed that at least 1.5 million people -- women, men, teens, and children -- have lupus. More than 16,000 new cases are reported across the country each year. Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children and teenagers develop lupus, too. Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus. People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.

"On behalf of the 80,000+ people afficted with lupus afflicted with lupus in the DC, Maryland and northern and central Virginia,please accept my most sincere gratitude for your assistance and generosity."  Julianne Coney Revere, Development Manager Lupus Foundation of America, DC / MD / VA Chapter

Azalea Charities

Azalea Charities is an all-volunteer organization that focuses on a dual mission to support community charities and Aid for Wounded Warriors. Azalea Charities raises funds through membership fees, private donations and events such as sponsoring Team Azalea Charities in the Marine Corps Marathon and the annual Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational. Beyond minimal expenses, all funds raised go to core charitable causes. Azalea Charities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Prince William County, Virginia.  For more information, see www.azaleacharities.org. Since its inception in 1999, Azalea Charities has supported local charitable causes from Arlington to Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The goal is to provide financial aid to free local groups from fundraising and let them focus on their core service missions. Local support falls into six major areas: Special Olympics; Boys and Girls Clubs; homeless shelters; cancer and disease support; education and special needs. As part of its focus on Aid for Wounded Warriors, Azalea Charities helps to fill the gaps that occur when the needs of our wounded heroes are not entirely met by the military or Veterans Administration (VA). We provide help for our service people as well as the families who stand behind them. Our support is adapted to the need – ranging from mortgage and rent payments, gas cards and Wal-Mart cards to special needs such as the training of service dogs and provision of services to caregiving families. We focus on the following areas: outreach to VA and Military Hospitals; Quality of Life Foundation (caregivers); Thomas Jerome House (traumatic brain injuries); Air Compassion for Veterans (transportation for wounded and families); partner organizations; veterans; and Allied Forces wounded.