THE AAV PROJECT CHALLENGE
THIS YEAR WE ARE DOING SOMETHING UNPRECEDENTED.
Gene Therapy gives us a chance to stop AHC in its tracks.
AAV (adeno-associate virus) Gene therapy provides a path to a cure for AHC. Cure AHC is working with Dr. Steven Gray of UT Southwestern to complete the pre-clinical research and development to bring this promising therapy to AHC families. According to Dr. Gray’s website, “The core research focus of the Gray lab is to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene transfer vector systems, for clinically-relevant global gene transfer to the central and peripheral nervous system. This research focus has also included preclinical studies to apply these engineered AAV systems toward treatments for neurological diseases in animal models. Currently these include Rett Syndrome, Giant Axonal Neuropathy, and Lysosomal Storage Diseases (Tay-Sachs, LINCL, INCL, AGU, and Krabbe).” This is not only cutting-edge science, but also a proven, effective, and permanent fix of the genetic code. It will be delivered by a one-time injection into the cerebrospinal fluid and is designed to permanently correct the dysfunction caused by a mutated gene. Unlike drugs, gene therapy targets the source of the problem: DNA. In many diseases it permanently corrects the dysfunction caused by a problematic gene. We call that a cure.
Picture credit: https://www.med.unc.edu/genetherapy/research-laboratories/gray-lab
The Challenge
To get a Gene Therapy for AHC to clinical trials we need to fundraise a substantial amount of money and we can’t do it alone. We need you! We’ve set an ambitious goal of raising $600,000. We know this sounds like a lot of money, but we’ve never been closer to reaching our ultimate goal, to Cure AHC. We believe in our community and with your help we can reach this goal. Here’s how it works:
Two ways to donate:
Individual Contributions
Individual contributors can make a one time tax deductible donation through our CharityProud page. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated, we know you work hard for your money and can rest assured it will be put to good use. Some employers even have matching grants that can double the size of your contribution. Every donation will be entered into a drawing for the GRAND PRIZE.
Team Contributions
Build your team - Grab your family, friends, co-workers and set individual goals or plan a fundraiser together.
Sign up your team and create a page through CharityProud - You can direct donations to your page and track your results.
Cheer on your team and others through social media - Sharing with your network is the best way to reach out, create awareness, and raise funds.
Teams with biggest impact will be eligible to win some great prizes.
Team leaders who raise at least $1,000 will get their choice of a limited edition Cure AHC hoodie or t-shirt.
Most importantly everyone who participates is eligible to win the GRAND PRIZE.
Be Social
One of the easiest ways that you can help the mission of Cure AHC is by spreading awareness with your network.
Share our awareness video and point people to www.cureahcchallenge.org with #CUREAHCCHALLENGE
Use this picture in a social media post with #CUREAHCCHALLENGE in your post or your own pictures
Share on every social media platform you use - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
The Grand Prize
1 Week Accommodations at Hacienda Tres Rios 5 Star Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
(a $3500 value!)**
**: Taxes, airfare, transfer to/from airport, and $120/person daily “all-inclusive” fee not included. There is no donation required to participate in the sweepstakes. Donation amount does not increase odds of winning. Odds of winning will depend on number of entries received. See HOW THE SWEEPSTAKES WORKS for details on how to enter. Winner, by acceptance of prize, indemnifies Cure AHC and its affiliates from any liability in conjunction with use of prize. Winner is responsible for any taxes associated with the prize. Please consult your tax professional for advice.