Hey everyone,

I’m turning a year older this Monday, November 10th — but this year, I don’t want any presents.

Instead, I want to give something special to a dear friend of mine. She’s a wonderful mom to a one-year-old boy who was born with Pompe disease — a rare and serious genetic disorder.

Their little family goes through so much every single day, and I’d love to surprise them with something simple but meaningful: a weekend away to relax, recharge, and make happy memories together.

So I’m starting a GoFundMe to raise money for their short getaway. Every donation — big or small — helps make this gift possible.

If you’d like to celebrate my birthday with me, please consider donating instead of sending gifts.

Let’s give this family a few days of peace and joy.

about Pompe:

Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects how the body breaks down sugar (glycogen) for energy. In babies under one year old, it’s called infantile-onset Pompe disease. Because of a missing or not working enzyme (called acid alpha-glucosidase), glycogen builds up in muscles.

This causes weak muscles, especially in the heart and lungs. Babies may have trouble breathing, feeding, and moving, and their hearts can become enlarged. Without treatment, the disease can become very serious. However, with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and good medical care, some symptoms can improve and babies can live longer and healthier lives.