<div>Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,
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<div>I am reaching out to you during an incredibly challenging time for my family and me. <strong>My mom was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in October 2023 after experiencing symptoms for about a year.</strong> This diagnosis has profoundly impacted her life and the lives of those who love her.
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<div>For many years, my mom dedicated herself to being an elementary school teacher, inspiring countless children and nurturing a love for learning in her students. My mom is the kind of person who has always been there for others, offering support and love without hesitation. Now, as she faces this difficult journey, it is our turn to support her.
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<div>ALS is often referred to as the "millionaire disease" because the costs associated with its care can be exceptionally high. We are raising funds to help cover essential expenses, including:
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<div>* A specialized wheelchair for mobility
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<div>* Special foods and supplements for her feeding tube
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<div>* Regular visits to the ALS clinic
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<div>* Specialized home care
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<div>* Further modifications to my parents’ home to accommodate her wheelchair, including ramps, rails, bed, and shower adaptations
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<div>* Experimental treatments every six weeks that are not covered by insurance. Early studies on this treatment suggest that it could potentially reverse or slow disease progression based on early findings. This treatment is supported by her ALS clinic team and is crucial for her well-being and recovery, but it comes with significant costs.
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<div><strong>Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in my mom’s journey.</strong> If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your network, posting to your social media, and your continued prayers would also mean so much to us.
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<div>Thank you for considering supporting my mom during this challenging time. Together, we can help my mom fight this battle and continue her legacy of giving back. We appreciate your kindness, love, support, and prayers more than words can express.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Lindsey Lowe
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Support Juli Schoenberger’s Fight Against ALS

On the evening of February 2, 2021, my Husband <strong>Julio Fonoti Jr</strong> had a sore throat and decided it was severe enough to go to the Emergency Room at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, AK. <br /><br />During the 3 hours spent at the hospital in the Emergency Department, they administered both a Covid-19 and Strep test. Both came back negative and he was sent home with orders to rest and take a spring if needed. But as the evening progressed into the early morning, his condition became worse, and we decided to call 911 after he was unable to breathe or get himself to the car. <br /><br />The paramedics arrived and after 15 minutes of them insisting his blood oxygen levels were good and that there was no emergency I was forced to attempt getting him to the Emergency Room myself.<br /><br />As soon as we stepped outside everything changed and the paramedics who were packing up heard me screaming as my husband became unable to move and started to falter. <br /><br />The last words I heard my husband say were <strong>"Honey, I can't breathe!"</strong><br /><br />The moment they got him in the ambulance he was gone. I watched them in horror, and all that was left to do as they attempted to intubate him was pray.. so I prayed. By the time Julio got to the hospital <strong>the damage was done</strong>.<br /><br />Julio spent the next 17 days sedated in ICU waiting for the swelling in his throat to go down before they could remove the tubes. When they finally did he didn't wake up. He was taken early the next day for an MRI and they <strong>diagnosed him with Anoxic Brain Injury from the lack of oxygen.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Julio is now in a vegetative state with very little chance of reversal.</strong><br /><br />Everything has changed for my family due to negligence and we are absolutely devastated. <br /><br />A man who took care of his family (wife &amp; kids); a man who never stopped at anything making sure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads; a man who loves God; a man who does so much for his community; a man who can never say no to anyone when they needed help is now unable to live life to the fullest or <strong>watch his children grow</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>He will never say "I Love You" to our babies again!!</strong><br /><br />Julio is now home and I have become his full-time caregiver. This has left us not only shattered but financially ruined and unable to afford the kind of care he deserves. <br /><br />With this go fund me I am humbly asking for you to help my husband afford the rehabilitation and care he deserves and to help us navigate this uncertain future. We need him back in our lives the way he used to be and nothing can be done without putting in the work and lots of prayer for Julio's long road to recovery.<br /><br /><strong>GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!<br /><br />(This fundraiser is created with approval by Maxine Leupolu, Sister-In-Law to June A Leupolu-Fonoti)<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56829085_1621400535188141_r.jpeg" alt="56829085_1621400535188141_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56829085_1621400602954500_r.jpeg" alt="56829085_1621400602954500_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56829085_1621400626252837_r.jpeg" alt="56829085_1621400626252837_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /></strong>

Help Julio On His Road To Recovery!

In May of 2019, my beloved sister, Veronica Fernandez was given news that every woman fears and one that has completely shook her life and ours - "You have Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer."    <br /><br />For any woman, this news would be terrible but for Veronica who was transitioning into a new job when this diagnosis was delivered to her: will now not be able to work or get any assistance under medical leave laws during her time away from the work force- it is news that has truly left us all devastated. Without the ability to work, Veronica will be facing financial hardship in addition to the terrifying treatment necessary to fight/beat this cancer.       <br /><br />Due to her cancer being invasive, her doctors are working quickly to treat her. She will undergo a double mastectomy in June 2019 followed by radiation and/or chemo if it is not all removed with the surgery.    <br /><br />Everyone who knows Veronica knows that she has a huge heart and is always willing to help those that need, but is not one to ever ask for help. Down to one income with a 1 year old, Isabel, and 10-year-old, Isaiah, to care for, her family has already incurred substantial medical bills.   ￼ ￼ <br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39578554_1559285417533731_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="39578554_1559285417533731_r.jpeg" /><br />A cancer diagnosis itself is one of the most difficult burdens to bear; unfortunately, the financial burden is almost as heavy.    <br /><br />She has a very long road ahead, but Veronica is a fighter and will fight to beat this cancer.    <br /><br />The funding from your contributions will go directly towards assisting Veronica and her family with basic living expenses, groceries, prescription costs, uninsured medical expenses, medical co-pays, and any other needs directly related to her care.    <br /><br />We ask that if you can give, please do. Every donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated.    <br /><br />She will need all the love and support to carry her through.   <br /><br />We thank you all in advance for your kind consideration/generosity and know Veronica and our entire family will be eternally grateful for any help she is able to get! ￼<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/39578554_1559285496487352_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="39578554_1559285496487352_r.jpeg" />

Help Veronica battle Breast Cancer

<p>***Please take a moment to read our latest update***<br /><br />Would you please take a moment &amp; watch the 3 minute video above, telling Carter and our family's story?  **All donations are tax deductible ** <br /><br />I'm Jen, Carter's Mom.  My son is dying. There’s no other way to say it.  My beautiful, perfect little boy...is dying.  As I lay him down to sleep each night, my tears overflow, and a deep aching is in my heart at the reality of losing my child.  There is only <strong>ONE THING</strong> that can change his fate, and we are asking for your help. <strong>We are asking you to help save Carter.</strong> <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526953122.1383_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />Carter grew up loving to play "pirates", climbing on jungle gyms, reading "Brown Bear", and singing his ABC's… like any child.  But Carter isn’t like any child.  <strong>Carter was diagnosed with a devastating, fatal disease called Sanfilippo Syndrome.  <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526953265.9374_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /></strong><br />Sanfilippo is a <strong>progressive brain disorder in little children</strong>, caused by just one missing enzyme… but it’s an important one.  Because he doesn’t have this enzyme, toxic storage material is building up in Carter’s brain every second.  You wouldn't know it by just looking at him, but this disease will soon begin shutting down critical areas needed to function.  As degeneration rapidly progresses, Carter will lose the ability to talk, swallow, walk, he will develop seizures, will suffer severe dementia, and die.  They call it a “Childhood Alzheimer’s.”<br /><br />At age 6, Carter is starting to show the signs of the disease.  Right now he can still talk, some.  He can still run and play with his big sister Sophia.  For now, he’s hanging on, but just barely.  This campaign for his LIFE is as urgent as it gets.  It’s <strong>Now or Never</strong> for Carter.<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526957810.4896_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br /><strong>Our #1 goal is to raise $1 milllion dollars in 1 month, to give Carter his rightful chance at LIFE</strong>.  We can’t just sit back and accept that he’s going to fade away and die, not when there is something tangible that could save him.  The $1M will go to fund a clinical trial that can give him that chance.<br /><br />The love for a child is like no other.  If you are a parent, you know you would “go to the ends of their earth for your little ones”.  We are asking you… will you please go there with us now, for Carter?<br /><br />We know how quickly these campaigns can grow if supported and if shared with the masses.  Yes, we need your help to contribute what you are able, and to help share so <strong>#SavingCarter</strong> can go #viral, and we can reach this goal.<br /><br /><strong>Carter can LIVE.  Carter can get that chance at LIFE, and it will be thanks to you.  But it has to be now.</strong><br /><br />Our deepest thanks and words simply fail to express how incredibly grateful we are.<br /><br />Jen, Samir (Carter’s Mom &amp; Dad) and Sophia-age 8 (Carter's loving big sister, who would do absolutely anything for her little brother)<br /><br /><strong>#SavingCarter  # NowOrNever  #1Million1Month<br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526954189.9221_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526954853.563_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></strong><br /><strong><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28834700_1526957896.397_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />HOW YOU CAN HELP TODAY</strong><br /><br />1. Donate what you can, no amount is too small and donations are tax deductible<br /><br />2. Share on all social media with hashtags #SavingCarter #NowOrNever and #1Million1Month<br /><br />3. Email this GoFundMe link and these steps to all contacts you know<br /><br />4. Leverage any avenue you have to make this go viral (or send leads/tips to [email redacted])<br /><br /><br /><strong>WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING?</strong><br /><br />Every dollar goes to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, who is funding this trial that can give Carter a chance at life. All donations are tax deductible. The research is a novel enzyme replacement therapy that has had remarkable results of helping fix the brain in closely related diseases. 100% of the funds raised here will go toward the research. We are currently racing against time to fund this trial and get it up and running. It will help Carter and so many other kids also hoping for a chance at life.  ***Any donations received above the goal will go directly to Cure Sanfilippo Foundation new research projects in need of funding<span style="font-size:1.0625rem;">***</span>
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<p><br /> <br /><br /><strong>WHY SO MUCH MONEY?</strong><br /><br />Getting a clinical trial up and running can cost millions of dollars. In Rare Diseases, large pharmaceutical companies have little interest because they don’t see ways to make a profit. The truth is that it is left up to parents to drive and fund the research for treatments and a cure. This will help fund this specific clinical trial that can save Carter and possibly thousands of other children with Sanfilippo in the future. If we can’t fund it, the clinical trial will not happen, and we are nearly out of TIME.<br /><br /><strong>TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE</strong><br /><br />Children’s cognitive abilities are completely taken away in less than 2 years on average, once they begin regressing. In this time, children regress back to an infantile state, likely never to return. This rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease will soon start taking over completely. Carter is 6 years old. I don't want to lose my baby. This must happen now.<br /><br /><strong>THERE IS A CLEAR FAST TRACK PATH TO TREATMENT</strong><br /><br />1. Manufacture clinical grade drug production<br /><br />2. Final safety studies<br /><br />3. FDA approval to proceed with clinical trial<br /><br />4. Start clinical trial<br /><br />If you would like to donate by check, please make the check out to: Cure Sanfilippo Foundation.  In memo, write:  For Saving Carter, and send to:  <br />Cure Sanfilippo Foundation<br />PO Box 6901 <br />Columbia, SC 29260<br /><br />Video thanks to Valentina Vee &amp; Benjamin Von Wong.  Sound credits Andrew Kesler  Photos: Anna Tenne Photography
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Saving Carter

Tessa Sims

<div>Connecting Families UCD needs our help sponsoring families.
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<div>This incredible organization is dedicated to empowering and engaging individuals and families affected by UCDs around the world. We recently lost a big sponsor from one of the main medications losing their patent. This means that Connecting Families loses a huge chunk of their funding.
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<div>Your donations will help fund essential resources and community support programs, ensuring that affected families receive the guidance and assistance they need. Here are just a couple of ways your contribution can make an impact:
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<li>Sponsoring a family to be able to go to camp.
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<div>Please consider donating to this important cause. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to a brighter future for those affected by UCDs. Thank you for your support!
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Tessa Sims

Tessa Sims

What they care about

Featured causes

Support Connecting Families with Urea Cycle Disorders

Support Juli Schoenberger’s Fight Against ALS

Help Julio On His Road To Recovery!

Help Veronica battle Breast Cancer

Saving Carter

About me