Children Fighting Niemann-Pick Type C |
What is Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC)?
Niemann-Pick Type C is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily strikes children in their early childhood years with death occurring before or during adolescence. Happy and healthy children in their early childhood begin to suffer from a painful and gradual neurological decline because of damage to the brain as result of the body’s inability to metabolize cholesterol.
Early symptoms of NP-C are frequent falls, balance problems, loss of vertical eye movements, slurred speech, and learning difficulties. As the disease progresses, seizures begin, children lose their motor skills, eyesight and hearing, as well as the inability to swallow, and ultimately - death.
This life-robbing disease is not only painful for these children, but also their parents who experience a tremendous heartbreak as they watch their children slowly decline both physically and mentally. No child should have to suffer from such pain. Although children worldwide are afflicted, research has been extremely limited primarily because of insufficient funding due to a smaller population of children affected and lack of public knowledge. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for NP-C. |
Gabrielle LaVerde |
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Be Blessed By Melinda Doolittle |
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Dare to Dream Addi & Cassi Hempel |
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Addi & Cassi Good Morning America |
Gabrielle’s FriendsFighting Niemann-Pick |
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Race for Adam |
Who is Gabrielle LaVerde?
Gabrielle LaVerde is a delightful and adored 7 year old little girl who has been diagnosed with a fatal and rare disease, called Niemann-Pick Type C. The disease is considered an orphan disease since there have only been 500 known cases worldwide. The disease itself renders its victims with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms—victims move backward in time and forget how to perform basic functions, such as talking, walking, eating, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
We first learned of Gabrielle’s diagnosis in October, 2007. Gabrielle’s elementary school classmates were horrified to learn that her disease was fatal, and that there was no cure, no miracle drug, or no surgery that could save her. Her classmates quickly rallied support, not only from their parents, but from the entire Deltona community to help pay for experimental treatments. The outpouring amount of encouragement, support, and prayers that the LaVerde family has received has been phenomenal. The elementary school students raised over $10,800 in less than 3 months.
The purpose of this website is to:
· Increase awareness of the disease known as Niemann-Pick Type C · Create awareness about Gabrielle LaVerde’s condition · Share with supporters recent and upcoming events to help Gabrielle. · Special Thanks to Lloyd Marcus, Deltona Lakes Elementary School, the City of Deltona, and the citizens of Deltona, for your ongoing support.
Website & YouTube Videos designed & donated by www.GiseleVeilleux.com |
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Gabrielle’s Gift is dedicated to increasing public awareness of Niemann-Pick Type C, helping Gabrielle, and other children with NPC and to fund research.
Gabrielle’s Gift is one of Hope. Hope for a future. Hope for a life that no is longer threatened by Niemann Pick Type C. We need you to help us fight for Gabrielle and other children like her who cannot fight for themselves. |
