Thank you for visiting Chelsea's fundraising page!

Chelsea began showing developmental delays at 7 months, but was 7 1/2 when she was finally diagnosed with Atypical Rett Syndrome. She is severely physically impaired by RS, has difficult to control seizures, and asthma problems from early aspiration episodes. Despite all this, she is a very happy, affectionate young lady. Chelsea enjoys any activity that involves movement; swinging, swimming, and being pushed by mom around a roller skating rink. She attends a center based school, where she is well known by all, and enjoys a wide variety of therapies. 

By far her most favorite activity is participating in triathlons and road races with her dad! They have been doing this together since 2007 through a group called The Ride of Their Lives, which pairs trained athletes with severely disabled children. In 2009, we were able to raise funds for IRSF through Chelsea and her dad running the Grand Rapids Marathon. In 2010, we hope to continue these efforts during the entire race season, which starts in May and will go through October. 

You can learn more about Chelsea and her family at web.me.com/kristinevandervelde/touchofgrey   and about The Ride of Their Lives at www.therideoftherlives.org

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support 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!