Thank you for visiting our fundraising page!

We (Taysen's mom, and super-Auntie Tawnee) are running in the Bellingham Bay Marathon on September 25, 2011  for our Taysen Trevor Langstraat, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 2 in August 2006.  We are running this marathon to raise awareness towards Spinal Muscular Atrophy and to fundraise for Dr. Kasper's Gene Therapy Program through Sophia's Cure Foundation. You can read more about Dr. Kasper's program here

SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under the age of 2. SMA is a terminal, degenerative disease, that takes away a childs ability to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe and even swallow. SMA is estimated to occur in nearly 1 out of every 6,000 births. 1 in 40 people are carriers for SMA, and most don't know it. There is currently no treatment and no cure, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) selected SMA as the disease closest to treatment of more than 600 neurological disorders. (Sophia's Cure Foundation)

 If you would like to join us in raising money by running with us (there is a half marathon and a 5k at this event)  we woud love the support! You can contact me at langstraats@hotmail.com  

You can read about Taysen's adventures at www.taysenlangstraat.org

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support our fundraising efforts.  We will thankfully accept donations in any amount.. nothing is too small!

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!