Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Another year and another Step Forward Walk!  This will be Jim and I's 2nd year chairing this amazing event and we hope that many of you will skip donating on this site and rather come out and participate in the day with us!  If you can't make it to Littleon in September, we hope that you will consider helping us in the fight to cure Tuberous Sclerosis.

Many of you know Haley's story already.  A grape sized tumor was found in the left ventricle of her heart just a few days before birth.  It was a telltale first symptom of TS, followed 3 months later by another classic symptom..the onset of seizures and, in particular, a devastating seizure type called infantile spasms.  Haley has struggled with daily seizures since then despite being on 14 different seizure meds, implementing the ketogenic diet, have a vagus nerve stimulator implanted into her chest wall, and even having a plum size piece of her left temporal lobe removed.  Coupled with the daily seizures, is the gigantic struggle of autism (which affects ~50% of individuals with TS).  Haley is now 8 1/2 years old and still has no words.  She is happy 95% of the time and is a sweet girl who is figuring her way out in this world on her terms.  She's a sweet little thing who we all adore.

The TS Alliance is a daily part of our lives.  Cindy is on the board of directors for the organization, Jim is the chair of the walk, and we both participate actively in a number of committees and activities within the organization.  We are passionate about this cause and we feel like there will be answers during Haley's lifetime.  Major strides have been made in just the last few short years.  The first human drug study is underway showing promise in shrinking both the renal and lung tumors associated with TS.  Federal funding has been increasing each year for the last 4 years (even though most programs are receiving gigantic cuts).  Even the federal government sees the value in TS research!!  TS could very well be one of those 'missing link' diseases.....could answers to TS cure autism, epilepsy, dare we say...even cancer??  It's an intriguing possibility and one we fight for every day!

September 9th.....Roxborough Park in Littleton.  It's a fantastic fun day for everyone.  We'd love to see you there.  Otherwise, we'd love to see your donation here!  Thanks for all the support you've given our family over the last almost 9 years.  We couldn't make it without you!

Much love,

Jim, Cindy, Haley and Cole (and Bo)