Dear family and friends,

Marfan's Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones, joints and lungs.  The most serious problem associated with Marfan syndrome is its effect on the aorta, the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.  The aorta is prone to progressive enlargement which can lead to tears in the aortic wall that require surgery.  If aortic enlargtement and tears are left undetected, the aorta may rupture, leading to sudden death.  Approximately 200,000 people in the U.S. are affected by Marfan syndrome

Many of you know that our son Tanner, has Marfan's syndrome.  Every year we participate in the Have Heart for Marfan walk/fun run.  Friday, July 29, we will be going to this annual  fundraising and awareness event in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.  This is always a very special weekend for us.  Friday evening is the moonlight stroll for Marfan's.  We walk the bike trail around Copper Creek.  Everyone who participates receives a blinking heart pin and it is so touching to see all of those blinking hearts going around the creek. Saturday, we will participate in the Marfan's walk/fun run and ride the float in their parade.  I wanted to create this page to raise awareness and support for the National Marfan's foundation's Iowa chapter.  I also wanted Tanner to be able to see how much he is supported. Thank you to all of you who have helped us through your donations and especially your prayers.  I set a goal of $2000.00 that I would love to meet by this July 28, however I am leaving this page up all year.  If you would like to help at a later time, or again for next years event, than you are able to do so.  Please consider donating in honor of Tanner to this cause that is so dear to our family.  

Thank you so much!

Tonya Archer