“Braeden Clark Benefit Fund”

Fighting Friedreich’s ataxia

Braeden Clark is a resident of Olean, New York, son of Matthew and Lisa (Neuland) Clark, parishioner (and former altar server) of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 2008 Valedictorian of Archbishop Walsh High School,  earned a B.S in Glass Engineering Science, Magna Cum Laude, May 2012 with a minor in Chemistry and Mathematics; and a current PhD candidate in Ceramic Engineering at Alfred University.  By all accounts, this is a hard working young man with a bright future ahead of him.  Now, Braeden needs our help.  Braeden, now 27 years old, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia.  Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare genetic, degenerative, life shortening, neuromuscular disorder, which afflicts only about 15,000 people worldwide.

 Friedreich’s ataxia causes a variety of serious health problems including:

 Progressive muscular weakness and loss of coordination (Ataxia) in
     the arms and legs
Vision impairment, hearing loss, and slurred speech
Aggressive scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
Diabetes mellitus or carbohydrate intolerance
Fatigue that severely impacts daily life
A serious heart condition (enlarged heart – hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
 
The progressive nature of this disorder causes the loss of muscle strength and control, which leads to motor incapacitation and full-time use of a wheelchair.  The mental capabilities of people coping with Friedreich’s ataxia, however remains completely intact.  Those of us who know Braeden, know how involved he had been in sports up through and including high school.  This relentless disorder has already robbed so much from Braeden.

 Currently there are no treatments or cures for Friedreich’s ataxia.

Braeden’s home needs expensive renovations to accommodate a wheelchair.  The interior doorways are too narrow and the kitchen and bathroom must be made safe and useable.  Braeden’s parents have been trying to make the changes but the progression of Braeden’s Friedreich’s ataxia is out pacing their resources.

Olean has always been a warm and giving community.  Help us make Braeden’s challenges a bit lighter.  We can carry some of his burden by donating to “Braeden Clark Benefit Fund” to open doors for Braeden.  All proceeds will be used for home/vehicle modifications and accommodations for Braeden.

Braeden Clark Benefit Committee - Mary Jill Coon, Anne Klimczyk-Walsh, Daniel McCarthy