Donate to help Natalie's Future

Meet Natalie - our beautiful daughter that has been struggling with a Global

Developmental Delay since birth. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic

mutation on the GRIN2B gene when she was 2 years old, one of a few hundred known

cases in the world to date. We became aware of Natalie’s struggles to meet typical

gross motor milestones (infant/toddler/etc.) as early as 6 months of age. She struggled

to turn over, crawl, and nurse as an infant, fast forward to being unable to pull herself

forward on her chest and crawl until around 18 months, stand on her own until 2 1/2

years old and ultimately walk until over 3 years of age. As she became older, we

discovered that these deficits were intellectual in addition to the physical challenges she

had already displayed.

Treatment for individuals with GRIN2B mutations typically focuses on managing

symptoms and providing supportive care. This includes therapies such as physical,

speech, occupational, and feeding therapies including behavioral interventions.

Additionally, medications may be prescribed to address specific symptoms, such as

Epileptic seizures, neurological disorders or behavioral abnormalities.

Today, Natalie is a happy little girl who loves to laugh and play, but battles with everyday

life activities others take for granted. She struggles to speak in full sentences and has

about 150 words total in her vocabulary. Assistance is required using the bathroom,

getting dressed, eating, drinking, using the stairs, etc. Whatever comes naturally to

“typical” children - learning how to execute everyday tasks as a result of teaching,

observing or attempting through trial and error is a function that Natalie lacks due to her

disabilities. Our daughter will always need to be cared for unless a miracle cure is found

for GRIN2B mutations.

As her parents, we love her with all our hearts, and will always be there for her, but we

are fearful for her future health and safety. Who will take care of her and protect her

when we are gone? Who is going to be with her to help her through life? The idea of

Natalie never obtaining the skills to take care of herself is a heavy concern that keeps

us up nightly.

We will always be on the hunt for a cure and follow medical research related to this ultra-rare disease, but we also have to plan for the long term. In order to provide the resources to secure Natalie's future (and our peace of mind), we will need to leave behind substantial monetary provisions to ensure the level of care she

needs. She will always require full time care. That being said, in anticipation we have

established the Natalie Maloof Supplemental Benefits Trust Fund. All donations will

go towards the trust and will be used solely for the benefit of Natalie and her future.

Any amount will be received with our sincerest gratitude and appreciation.

With love and thanks.

An Explaination of GRIN2B

What are Additional Symptoms of GRIN2B

We have recently added some new pictures to show how Natalie has been growing up!