Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

The Dogist

Peter Bond

Amy Jandrisevits

Ask Uncle Jack

That Good News Girl

Tess Bohne

FowlMouthFarmer

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

Flavor Flav

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>This man saved our lives.
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<div>On August 3rd, 2022, around 4:15 pm, while on safari in Africa, our amazing Tracker, Musi Myeni, was attacked by a Cape Buffalo bull.
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<div>Musi risked his life to save us; now, we urgently need to help save him.
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<div>The Cape Buffalo punctured his right leg, nicking his femoral artery. The right side of his face suffered a very deep laceration from his chin to his ear and he fractured his C2 vertebra.
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<div>He was airlifted to a remarkable hospital in Durban, where he is receiving treatment to stabilize him. He will need many surgeries to get through this, the expenses of which are beyond his ability to pay. For the cost of the life-flight, for the surgeries, for the rehabilitation, for the impact this will take on his ability to care for his family, Musi needs our help!
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<div>Musi, age 36, has been a tracker for Garry Kelly Safaris for years. He is the strongest man we have ever met. Please keep Musi, his family (including 4 young children) and the doctors in your prayers.
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<div><em>I am An African</em>
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<div><em>For her blue skies take my breath away</em>
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<div><em>And my hope for future is bright</em>
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<div><em>I am an African</em>
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<div><em>For her people greet me as Family</em>
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<div><em>And teach me the meaning of community</em>
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<div><em>I am an African</em>
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<div><em>For her wildness quenches my spirit</em>
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<div><em>And brings me closer to the source of life</em>
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<div>Wayne Visser
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<div>Thank you for your love and support,
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<div>Megan and Tres Steves
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<div>and
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<div>The Garry Kelly Safaris Team
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Raise money for Musi, the man who saved our lives

<div>Our beloved Mr Tony took care of our boys every day and now it’s our turn to help his family.  We are raising money to assist with all the financial burdens that they now face. 
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<div>Mr Tony played a significant role in caring for his sister-in-law Angie’s many special needs and providing for Molly and their sons. Their current living arrangements are not handicapped- friendly and without Mr Tony’s guidance and help with repairs, money is critical. 
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<div>Thank  you for helping support the Águilar family! 
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Help Mr Tony Aguilar’s family

<p><strong>SuperSam’s Story #SamStrong #SuperSam</strong><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562209375710349_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562209375710349_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />As I read through the SuperSam Facebook page to help write this story, I am awed and inspired by SuperSam and his family.  This sweet boy  loves donuts and mussels, has some wicked dance moves, loves LEGO’s, and finds hours of joy from a card that plays music. When he’s told he has to make another hospital trip he says, “It’s ok, there is a    cool castle and legos there.” <br /><br />Memorial Day 2016 was the start of Sam’s battle with Neuroblastoma at 3 years old. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562209420689593_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562209420689593_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />He has endured multiple surgeries, endless rounds of chemo, radiation, and a stem cell transplant all before he was 4. <br /><br />He was was blessed with a dad who shaved his own head to help Sam get through it. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215192854044_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215192854044_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562214999360281_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562214999360281_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />And look at those pictures, he did it with a smile and an “I’ve got this” motto. <br /><br />His parents and sister fought with him everyday, all the while smiling and telling him “We’ve got this!”<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215422727318_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215422727318_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Along the way he got to meet some pretty cool people. <br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215527371413_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215527371413_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215627843733_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215627843733_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215670322024_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215670322024_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />But, I bet if you asked Sam who his hero is, it would be a toss up, Mom, Dad or Emmie. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562215794826807_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562215794826807_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />In 2017 Cancer returned, but the Pampels and Sam fought back.   There weren’t any “this isn’t fair” complaints. Just SuperSam saying “I’ve got  this” and showing the strength of a SuperSam. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562216099932074_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562216099932074_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />It was a rough year-- more surgery, more chemo, more fighting.  But Sam’s smile caught the attention of Dallas and Make a Wish and he was granted his wish to take his family to Disney. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562216449575317_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562216449575317_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Unfortunately, a reaction to one of his drugs landed him in ICU over the dates the trip was planned and Christmas. This was a particularly  tough fight.  One of the only photos we have ever seen of Sam without his legendary smile.  <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562216637713805_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562216637713805_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> <br />Nearly all of December he was in the hospital, at one point sedated and on a ventilator; he never  gave up.  2018 started   with Sam re-learning to    talk and walk. 2018 also brought Sam the title Big Brother with Ben joining the family. And, the  Pampels made a long awaited trip to Disney. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562217353613304_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562217353613304_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Sam graduated Pre-School and started Kindergarten. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562217486498338_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562217486498338_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562217560633982_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562217560633982_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />More good news &amp; good scans. Sam celebrated  his 6th birthday with a milkshake cake and that <br />heart warming smile. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562217801813911_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562217801813911_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />2019 brought a 3rd round of neuroblastoma,  this time pressing on the optic nerve and taking his vision.  This go-round was harder in some ways because  Sam was older, wiser and now knew what the words  meant.  <br /><br />Another 8+ hours of brain surgery, on the way in Sam says, ”Let’s Do This!” with his signature double thumbs up. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562209702112461_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562209702112461_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />The doctors removed as much of the tumor as they could and his sight returned.  June brought more chemo and radiation. <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562210530840276_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562210530840276_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Sam’s next adventure was to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to take part in an experimental treatment. This world class hospital has the best pediatric oncologists working on this trial.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562209250554115_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562209250554115_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />So, they took on NYC! Sam loved Central Park and the pizza especially.
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<p>The Pampels enjoyed Christmas with both sides of the family. Sam was a trooper enjoying being around all of his family.  
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<p>January 2020 brought some headaches and a trip back to the hospital in Dallas.  He’s been in ICU fighting infections and the latest scans showed the cancer retuned.  With limited options Maude and Tony decided to make Sam as comfortable as possible and hopefully bring him home while  they try to soak up all the minutes over the next few weeks.
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<p>The Pampel’s Dallas friends and family have been a huge support throughout their journey selling #samstrong and SuperSam T-shirt’s, and hosting a crawfish boil for Sam. The Pampels have received immeasurable love and support from around the world for which I know they are extremely  grateful. 
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<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562209842783232_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562209842783232_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562218534858779_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562218534858779_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/40399666_1562218635377454_r.jpeg" alt="40399666_1562218635377454_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Many of us, as long distance friends and family,  asked what we can do to help? So, we have started a GoFundMe page for the Pampels. We want this fund to help with uncovered medical expenses and everything related to Sam's journey, but also provide help for any long term needs for the entire family- anything that can help support them through the    next steps including counseling and special gifts for Emmie and Ben to help carry on the wonderful memories they have of life with Sam.<br /><br />You can use a credit card or debit card safely on this site. The site will take a 3% processing fee     from each credit card donation, the remaining    97% goes to The Pampel’s. If you would rather use venmo or mail a check please feel free to do so.   Reach out to me for those details.
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<p>Any questions can be emailed to me, Maude’s cousin Amy   Westerman at <a href="mailto:[email redacted]">[email redacted]</a>.
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SamStrong and the Pampel Family

After 2 years of IVF, Maxwell and Riley Freed were born on March 27, 2017 and made us the most happy people on the planet.  In an instant, our lives were filled with purpose while we counted two sets of 10 tiny fingers and 10 tiny toes.  <strong>We were ecstatic, content, and life was perfect.</strong><br /><br />At around 4 months, we noticed that Maxwell wasn't progressing like Riley.  Maxwell showed intent, but could not use his hands and could barely move.  Well-meaning family and friends reassured us that everything was fine but mother's intuition said differently.  Riley's milestones became bittersweet as it felt like Maxwell was slipping away in my arms.  I was helpless.  My fear turned to sheer panic as doctors desperately searched for answers along with us.  In May, my husband and I were led to a cold, sterile diagnosis room at Children’s Hospital where doctors confirmed the unspeakable.  Maxwell had a rare, sad, and completely unfair genetic disease that was essentially wreaking havoc on his neurological system.  The disease is too rare for a formal name and is only known by the gene - SLC6A1.  SLC6A1 causes developmental disabilities, a movement disorder and the onset of a debilitating form of epilepsy along with regression between 3 - 4 years.  The solemn faced doctors said nothing could be done as they looked at us with sympathy.  I saw my husband's bottom lip start to quiver.  The<strong> prognosis was bad. </strong> It was the darkest moment of my existence.  It was sadness for which there are no words and a sadness I didn’t know existed.  I was robbed of my perfect life, but mostly I mourned for the life I envisioned for Maxwell when I heard his first sweet cry in the delivery room.<br /> <br /><strong>It was in that moment I decided to fight.  <br /><br /></strong><span style="font-weight:900;">Fight like I had never fought before.<br /><br /></span><strong>Fight like a mother.  </strong><br /> <br />I left my career and began calling scientists and I found hope.  Maxwell’s disease is a candidate for gene therapy replacement which would restore his neurological system function.  A group of scientists at UT Southwestern in Dallas was willing to develop the therapy that would not only help Maxwell, but every child with this condition.  This research will also directly advance treatments in epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia.  My husband and I have used our resources for initial funding, but<strong> we still need to raise $1,000,000 in the next year</strong> to advance treatment from bench to bedside.  If we do not raise the money, the research will be tabled due to lack of funding.  <br /><br /><strong> We ask for your help today to become part of something larger than yourself. </strong> We have an opportunity here to impact a large group of children that need help.  <br /><br /><strong> How can you help?</strong><br />* Every little bit help.  Even $5 inches us closer to our goal.   If you plan to donate, we retain much more of your donation if it is made via our website:  <strong><a href="https://slc6a1connect.org/donate-here/"><a href="https://slc6a1connect.org/donate-here/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://slc6a1connect.org/donate-here/</a></a> </strong><br />* Please share our Gofundme <strong><a href="slc6a1-connect/,"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/slc6a1-connect/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.gofundme.com/slc6a1-connect/</a></a></strong><br />* Sign up for our blog: <a href="http://www.slc6a1connect.org"><strong>www.slc6a1connect.org</strong></a>, scroll down and add your name to the subscription box.<br />* Hashtag us <strong>#milestonesformaxwell, </strong>follow us on<strong> Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/milestones_for_maxwell/"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/milestones_for_maxwell/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/milestones_for_maxwell/</a></a> </strong>and like us on Facebook.<br />* We are a 501c3 and would like to join corporate giving platforms - our website i<strong>s <a href="http://www.slc6a1connect.org">www.slc6a1connect.org</a><br /></strong><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/34537908_1542668614729999_r.jpeg" alt="34537908_1542668614729999_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/34537908_1542668588618204_r.jpeg" alt="34537908_1542668588618204_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/34537908_1542344333122140_r.jpeg" alt="34537908_1542344333122140_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />
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<div><br /><strong>1) Is gene therapy proven?</strong><br /><br />Absolutely.  Just google the drug Spinrazza for spinal muscular atrophy, Kymriah for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or the clinical trial for giant axonal neuropathy.   The key for all of these pediatric conditions is early treatment.  Children are being given a second chance.<br /><br /><strong>2) Does gene therapy for SLC6A1 help other, more common diseases?</strong><br /><br />A mutation in SLC6A1 causes a disruption in the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter known as GABA.  GABA is directly linked with epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia as well as many other neurological disorders.<br /><br /><br /><strong>3) Is my donation tax-deductible?</strong><br /><br />Your donations are fully tax deductible as we are a 501c3.  Our EIN is 83-1415567.  If you made a donation over $250 you will receive via email and below $249, your credit card records are sufficient. <br /><br /><br /><strong>4) My employer matches donations. Does it work on this platform?</strong><br /><br />Please submit your donation for a company match.  Many companies send checks for the match which can be sent to the address below:<br /><br />SLC6A1 Connect<br /><strong>ATTN:  Amber Freed</strong><br />2426 South Clayton<br />Denver, CO 80210<br /><br /><br /><strong>5) Do you have a website?<br /></strong><br />www.SLC6A1Connect.org:  Please sign up for our newsletter on the website to follow our progress.<br /><br /><strong><br />6) Where will proceeds go?</strong><br /><br />All proceeds will go to fund SLC6A1research at UT Southwestern.  We are strictly volunteer based moms working toward a cure.<br /><br /><br /><strong>7) Why is this disease so rare?</strong><br /><br />The gene that causes this disease was discovered in 2015 and  doctors didn't begin testing for the disease until late 2016.  There are most likely thousands of people with this disease but they don't know they have it.  Part of our mission is to raise awareness so we can reach more patients.
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Milestones for Maxwell

SLC6A1 Connect