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The idea to start the Hear See Hope foundation started in August 2004 when our oldest son, Conner (then 5) was diagnosed with Usher syndrome Type 1. We immediately began doing research on Usher syndrome and all eye degenerative diseases. In this we found great hope that we could make a difference and that with funds there will be a cure for Usher syndrome in Conner’s lifetime. We discovered many very helpful and knowledgeable doctors and researchers that are doing all they can to find a cure for Usher syndrome.
With the birth of our youngest son Dalton in April of 2008, we have found a renewed sense of urgency to find a cure. Despite our best efforts to eliminate the chance of Usher syndrome in another child by undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), a process that was “guaranteed” to eliminate the chance of the Usher syndrome gene, Dalton was born with Usher syndrome. And so, we continue to work harder than ever to find a cure for Usher syndrome.
In late 2007, we were put in contact with another family in Boston who have a daughter named Bella (then 9) with Usher syndrome. We are collaborating with the Dunning family to fund much needed research. Mark Dunning, Bella’s father became a board member in 2008. We have our first Boston event scheduled in September 2008. Also, we are working with the researchers to create an Usher syndrome coalition and website.
We are always looking for other fundraising ideas and other corporate and individual partners to collaborate with to increase awareness of our cause. We need these partners help to fund a cure. If you have any ideas please contact us. There has been significant breakthroughs in retinal disease research in 2007and there is more hope than ever that a cure is in sight.
We are a 501(c)3 not for profit organization in search of funds to sustain the fight against Usher syndrome. Please help us make a difference by supporting us in our fundraising efforts for preventing, treating and curing Usher syndrome.
Thank you,
Todd and Lane McKittrick
Founders
View Mission Statement
To generate financial resources to support Usher
syndrome projects. Through excellent focus, we can create, communicate
and gain knowledge of this currently incurable disease. Our funds
will be directly focused to Usher syndrome research and by doing
so we can target the needs of researchers and scientists. With
our help the cure can be found.
Todd McKittrick, Founding Director
Sharon Neff
Mark Dunning
Rich Hultquist
Josh Hunnex
Rick Sands
Kathleen Shoemaker
Larry Shoemaker
Karmen Trzupek
Hear See Hope’s Board of Directors are volunteers. They are elected
at the Annual General Meeting.
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