Running 75km for Mara’s journey with GABBR2

at 11 months post partum, I’m running a 75km ultramarathon for Mara.

Mara has been diagnosed with a very rare neurological gene mutation GABBR2. This devastating condition specifically affects her speech, communication and use of hands. Furthermore, she suffers from a wide range of global development delays and autistic behaviours.

She is a very determined little girl and gets frustrated that her body doesn't respond how she would like. She is happy and a real joy.

In an attempt to improve some of her autistic traits, her parents decided to try Stem Cell treatment in Panama at the Stem Cell Institute. This is the leading clinic treating and researching stem cells, as a way of improving the lives of children with autism. Since returning in July, they have seen some amazing improvements in her cognitive ability, physical strength and most startlingly her eye sight. She has for the first time in her life been able to fix and follow, to look people in the eye and really focus on objects . This improvement happened within a few weeks and has steadily improved over the last few months.

After seeing these great gain, they believe another round of stem cells could improve her life even more. They have spoken to many people at the clinic but also other parents who believe the stem cell treatment can be performed many times. The gains are permanent and life changing. We owe it to Mara to try everything in our power to improve her life.

The issue being her and her family have to travel to Panama for the treatment and the treatment itself isn't cheap. The money we are raising is only for Mara's costs and expenses.

Thank you for all your support