Desmon and McCoy Rowley, who are they? Desmon and McCoy are siblings that are Crohn's sufferers.

This year was our first time participating in Racing 4 Research with the Children’s Tumor Foundation. We had the opportunity to attend the Rolex 24 hour race in Daytona. It was an amazing weekend full of exciting events for all of us.

Dr. Kerry M. Moss, a Pediatric Oncologist/ Hematologist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, was profoundly impacted by her experiences at the SeriousFun camp in Connecticut. Dr. Moss shares with us her story of the transformational power of camp and the healing power of laughter.

“You made a choice that many people don’t make," Brooke writes to John in a personal thank you to the donor whose stem cells saved her daughter's life.

In late 2007, when the parents of 5-year-old Sydney learned she suffered from a benign brain tumor, they were desperate to find her the best care. That search led them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. “St. Jude treats on average of 20 craniopharyngiomas a year,” said Jeff. “So if less than 100 kids a year in the United States are diagnosed with her type of tumor, and St. Jude treats 20 of them, you’re looking at a higher quality of care.”

My husband, Shane, and I never once thought of pregnancy as a life-or-death event,” Shalini Wittstruck recalls. “Then one day our lives and all our expectations changed.” Their son, Kieran, was born at 31 weeks, and just 3 lbs., 1 oz. He spent the first month of his life in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), battling anemia, jaundice, apnea, bradycardia, a heart murmur and a brain cyst.

Emilia Solorzano de Estrella is a very pleasant 82 year-old lady, who was born with a cleft lip in Acobamba, Peru; in an anex town called Buenos Aires, near Huancayo. She never attended school.

Youth Ambassador, Walk to Cure Psoriasis in Chicago

Age at time of diagnosis: 7

2011 Youth Ambassador, Walk to Cure Psoriasis in San Francisco

Age at time of diagnosis: 3

When I first found out that I had Young Onset Parkinson’s I didn’t have the words to explain it to my family. I told my wife but not my children, parents, or siblings. My initial reaction to the diagnosis was disbelief. I was not even 45-years-old and was enjoying a full life including a busy work schedule, playing soccer with the guys and spending time with my three sons—I was too young and too healthy to have Parkinson’s.

It was just past midnight on March 14, 1996. I began the day strapped into the crew compartment of a space shuttle headed for orbit. I was minutes away from the launch of shuttle mission STS-76, and I could hear the voice of launch control counting off the seconds until finally I heard, “3, 2, 1 and liftoff of the shuttle Atlantis on a mission to the Russian MIR space station.”

My family and I have been battling with Huntington's disease since I was about six years old as my mother began to show signs of chorea and other neurological symptoms. My mother committed suicide when I was fifteen due to the affects of HD. Many times I often question why things happen in life. I think about having children someday but considering that HD is hereditary, I knew that I had a 50% chance of being a carrier so I decided to get tested in order to plan my future.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2012 National Goodwill Ambassador is Bryson Foster of Concord, N.C., a social and friendly 11-year-old determined to make a difference by sharing his positive attitude and words from his heart.

My name is Olga L. Wuerz, a United States Army Veteran. In December 2008, my life completely changed when I became a Peer Support Specialist at the Dallas VA Hospital.

I found the DBSA community 7 years ago; I was referred to them after, I “graduated” from an intensive outpatient program (IOP) at a local behavior healthcare center. My initial reaction was to take the DBSA literature I was handed and find the nearest trashcan. I would never consider attending one of “those” support groups.

The trip to Africa was already planned, and what a trip it would be for 9-year-old Angiel and her mother, Damaris. They would travel a distance of more than 8,000 miles, and it would take almost an entire day to get there. It was going to be the journey of a lifetime. “Most of my family is in Kenya,” said Damaris. “This was going to be Angiel’s first trip. She was going to meet her cousins and aunts and uncles.”

At first glance, Finneas Okochi is a typical four-and-a-half-year-old boy.

At birth Finn was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), a fatal hereditary immune system disorder that claimed the life of Finn’s uncle Mark in 1975 at the age of nine. Thanks to advances in bone marrow transplant techniques and the creation of the NMDP, a cure was now available for Finn.

The problem was not only that Finn needed a bone marrow match but that he also had to be old enough to survive the radiation and chemotherapy needed to prepare his body for the new bone marrow.

Who would have ever believed the words “you have Parkinson Disease” at the age of 33? I sure didn't want to. I had a brand new baby at home, a good job, my independence. I am here to tell you, it’s ok, you don't need to surrender to this sly disease that sneaks up on you ever so subtly. It took me some time to come to the realization that, yes, I have a disease that will change some aspects of my life. The key to that was learning that I had other talents, new paths to walk down, and a choice to surrender or stand up.

Maurice Snell, 23, has beaten the odds. A young man living with Autism Spectrum Disorder -- commonly known as autism -- he has a college degree and a job.

For many with autism, such achievements are beyond reach. Maurice, however, exhibits milder effects of the complex neurological disorder. Despite that advantage, Maurice’s future was uncertain for most of his childhood. Before his first birthday, his parents, Jennifer and Willie, noticed a change.

In the past few years Gary Bickford has become one of the most popular contractors on the beaches of Delaware. His business, Northwind Construction, has flourished, and he has no trouble keeping busy with the work he loves.

But four years ago, after surviving a brain aneurysm, doctors thought his recovery would be limited at best he would spend the rest of his life sweeping floors and emptying wastebaskets. Fortunately for the 51-year-old, his then-fiancé, M.L., was determined to find a rehabilitation program that would overlook the grim prognosis.

David was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. In David’s case, the fluid put pressure on the optic nerve and caused impaired vision. Since birth, David has been legally blind. He also has mild cerebral palsy that affects his legs, making it difficult to walk long distances.

Scottie Gaither is a “can do” kind of kid. He’s a bright, curious and determined second grader who greets everyone with an engaging smile. He’s quick to talk about how he loves to swim and play soccer, and do things with his family, especially with his Dad. Meeting 8-year-old Scottie today, it’s hard to imagine the toddler his family and friends recall, who was diagnosed with “severe autism” at age two. Last spring, he was named the top first grade student in his class, a distinction he takes in stride.

Jessica Segal doesn’t need to watch “Project Runway” to learn about life as an aspiring fashion designer; her life already mirrors that of any finalist on the hit television series. A student at the Art Institute of Dallas, Jessica has been working feverishly to design and create a series of garments for an upcoming fashion show at the school her “final exam” before graduating in December. But for this 21-year-old, spending hours sketching and sewing is a dream come true; she’s wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as she can remember. The fact that Jessica has physical disabilities never presented much of an obstacle. The extra challenge fueled her.

When I was growing up, I always went to my older sister for advice. I always looked up to her as a great role model and friend, wishing I was half as smart as she was. She allowed me to tag along as her shadow for many years.

Now, the tables have turned; it is my turn to show her what a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle can do to aid in recovering from breast cancer. My story begins six years ago. I was a healthy 46 year-old with no family history of breast cancer. After coming home from the gym I noticed in the mirror while doing a breast self exam, that one of my breasts seemed to pucker when I lifted my arm.

I was never one to do a self exam since I have such fatty breast tissue. But I did one in September 2008 on a whim and to my surprise there was a lump. I waited a week or so to go to the doctor since I had my period, I prayed it was just the normal changes that happen during that time. I was wrong. I went to primary that immediately sent me for an ultrasound, followed by a mammogram and a BSGI, all done in one day. I knew right away that I had cancer.

Since I have been an adult and a mom of an 11 and 8 year old, people have asked me, "how do you stay so thin and eat so much?" I have always said, "I am a genetic freak of nature." I have always been healthy, eaten organic, and have never gotten sick.

In February 2010, I felt a bump in each of my breasts. I went to my obstetrician and she gave me a referral to get an ultrasound. She told me it was probably my implants as I didn't fit the profile of breast cancer. The ultrasound showed that the lumps were the valves from my implants, but it also showed something that didn't look right so they did a mammogram. Nothing showed with the mammogram, so they did a more extensive ultrasound and decided to do a biopsy.

I have a wonderful husband, and two little girls. I have always been very active. I don't drink or smoke, and not one woman in our family that we know of has ever had breast cancer. Once in a blue moon I would randomly check for lumps in my breast. I was in the shower doing a self breast exam, when I felt something that was different than anything I had ever felt before. My stomach sank. I was 31 years old, how could it be cancer?

I was diagnosed in 2008 at the age of 46 with Ducal Cell Carcinoma -- Stage 2B. My husband and family were shocked since cancer doesn’t run in my family. I have always been diligent in having my annual mammogram, even though there is no family history. November 2007 was no exception. As usual, I got a clean bill of health. So in January 2008, when I inadvertently discovered a lump on my right breast the size of a grape, I got a bit nervous and went to see my doctor.

In 2005, Carl and Kelly Mitchum were thrilled to learn that they were expecting their first child. Like most first time parents they began to make plans for their new baby, a son. Kelly had this perfect picture of their perfect family with a perfect baby boy.

Hi! My name is Romelle Slaughter. I'm 34, live in Des Moines, Iowa, and I am a young professional with diabetes. I was diagnosed in 1998 several days before I left home to attend college. For the next decade, I have struggled like many young diabetics in managing my diabetes, feeling like no one in my age group understood the challenges of being a young professional and a having a life-long chronic disease.

Maxwell was diagnosed in utero, at 20 weeks gestation, with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). We were scared and confused since we are two young, healthy people. The prenatal diagnosis gave us the chance to meet with the cardiologists and surgeons prior to Maxwell's birth and make some decisions about what type of treatment we would choose for him. As it turned out, our local children's hospital had recently hired a new surgeon, who specialized in minimally invasive treatment of HLHS.

Hi, my name is Ann Lengel and I have a grandson who was born with HLHS. What a shock after having four other healthy grandchildren! Zachary is my youngest daughter's only child. She took care of herself throughout the whole pregnancy, but was told at about 24 weeks that her son had this condition. We were in shock, to say the least, but I live by the belief that God doesn't give us any more than we can handle.

Emmanuelle Caron Ritchie was born on February 8, 2003, with tetralogy of Fallot. When her mother, Nicole, was 18 weeks pregnant, she went for the routine ultrasound at Northampton OB/Gyn, and found out that there "could be something wrong with the baby's heart." Nicole's doctor decided that she should have a second level ultrasound at 22 weeks at Bay State Hospital in Springfield, MA, where the machines were more precise.

“I wanted to show myself and my kids that no matter what age you are, you can try something outside of your comfort zone. Even if it doesn’t go as you hoped, it’s something to add to your life and a good story to tell,” she said. Somebody else captured the crown when the pageant was held at Hanscom Air Force Base on May 2, 2009, but Settele was glad for the experience.

Taking MS to New Heights. Literally -- Lori Schneider didn’t tell anyone she had Multiple Sclerosis until six months after she received the diagnosis in 1999 (and then it was just family and her best friends). Fast-forward ten years, and anyone who reads the paper, surfs the Web, or watches TV knows. News outlets from BBC to NBC covered Lori’s May 23 climb of Mount Everest, the first successful ascent of the 29,035-foot peak – the tallest in the world -- by someone with MS.

When Cynthia Collington was first diagnosed with MS, in 1997, her doctor told her she’d be in a wheelchair in six months. “I laughed and said, ‘No, I won’t,’” Cynthia recalled “You’re not going to take away my legs—my most valuable assets. I’m not giving up my legs.” She proceeded to walk up to 10 miles a day for 10 years then switched to a tread-climber. “Thirteen years later, I’m still walking, still exercising, still moving,” she says.

Kayla Pinard is everything you imagine a little girl to be. She is a petite little lady, painfully shy to strangers but with a look in her eye that means mischief is lurking. She is such a typical a little girl that it is hard to believe that she ever was anything else. But typical is not how her life began. At her twenty-week ultrasound, the Pinards got news that every parent dreads to hear. Something somehow had gone wrong during her development.

Heather Hinrichsen’s Fight to Win design for Parkinson’s Awareness Month is now featured on a t-shirt being worn by hundreds of people throughout the US. She submitted her design to the PDF Parkinson’s Awareness Month T-Shirt Contest and received over 800 of the 1,900 votes, beating four other designs. What’s the story behind her design and how did she do it?

Heidi Krieger became part of the LLS family when her daughter Grace was diagnosed with leukemia. Here in her words is the story of a survivor, her daughter Grace.

Loring Leeds shares his personal experience as a cancer survivor and AIDS patient. After participating in research at City of Hope he is cancer free and the AIDS virus is undetectable. He and John J. Rossi, Ph.D., chair and professor of molecular biology, discuss the research and its impact.

Jazz singer Felena Bunn shares how the American Kidney Fund saved her life by Kate Howard
March 17, 2010

By age of 25, the glorious voice of Chicago jazz singer Felena Bunn had taken her to every continent on the globe except Africa. She was saving Africa for a special trip, a homecoming of sorts for this African-American woman. A stroke in 2001, at age 26, caused by high blood pressure put the trip on hold. Her doctors couldn’t determine the cause, but recommended Bunn improve her diet, increase exercise and lose weight. So, she did—and the fast-track lifestyle that comes with success in the music business had to slow down, too.

Brooke was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS, for short. It is a condition on the autism spectrum that has those with it exhibiting some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism. This can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.  Just before she turned 4 years old. I started noticing that there was something off about Brooke before she was even 1 but at that age we just thought she would grow out of these things. Around the age of 2 was when I really started to worry. She wasn’t acting like other kids her age. She wasn’t talking much except for copying words and phrases that she heard all the time from us. She wasn’t communicating her needs and she wasn’t playing the same as other kids or taking an interest in playing with other kids.

Larry Cloos has the distinction of being Bonfils Blood Center's youngest 50-gallon+ donor. His life-saving donation career began in 1981 with whole blood donations but he later converted to giving platelet donations up to 24 times per year. 

Kate Adamson has something important to say to stroke survivors and their families. And a large part of her message is how she is now able to say anything at all. In 1995, at the age of 33, Kate’s life seemed totally in control. A New Zealand native, she was living the American dream — a five bedroom house in a Southern California beach town, a loving husband and two healthy and happy young daughters. She exercised regularly, watched what she ate, and was about to start a personal training business. One day she suddenly felt dizzy. She lost focus and balance. Within minutes, she was unable to speak or move.

“If you ask 10 people on the street—would they know the symptoms [of stroke]? Maybe one,” says Eugene, whose story highlights the need for greater stroke awareness.

June 15^th was an unusual night for this 34 year old Wall Street employee. Instead of immediately going home after work, he first went out to have a drink with coworkers. After arriving home safely, he went to sleep, only to be awoken by a terrible headache. He took a Tylenol and headed back to bed.

I joined the CCA Voices & Buddy program because I want to give back. I have always been an advocate for cancer awareness, but my desire and passion has been heightened since my mother's death. My mother's battle with colon cancer was a journey of overcoming fear with courage and faith.

I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer (T3N0M0) on August 31, 1999, at the age of 44. I had missed all the warning signs. I had two uncles, one aunt and a cousin who all had colon cancer, and yet I never made the connection. I also had neglected to have a regular full physical for over seven years.

My name is Candace Henley; I am a 41 yr old mother of 5 Daughters
Stage IIB Colon Cancer
Diagnosed: June 27, 2003

I often tell people that I feel like my life has been hit by a hurricane that went undetected. When it was all over, I was left with devastation that hit all corners of my life: physically, emotionally, financially, and psychologically.

Jodie discovered a cancerous tumor in her colon when she had her first colonoscopy at the age of 37. She emphasizes how young people need to know about getting screened. Five years ago, at the age of 37, I was diagnosed with colon cancer after having passed a blood clot on a business trip.I was single, active and had a successful business career. I traveled, was involved in the local social scene, had great friends and a wonderful family connection.

Tom, a frontiersman and adventurer, made an expedition to the South Pole after surviving stage III colon cancer. Tom Davenport is not your average cancer survivor. A self-proclaimed frontiersman, Davenport is a traveler born and bred. For a man who honeymooned in the Arctic Circle and dragged 40-pound tires behind himself while running to stay in shape, it only made sense that after conquering the southern frontier of his colon, he would head to the actual South Pole in Antarctica, the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth.

“The energy generated by these conferences will have a wellness ripple effect throughout all those touched by the attendees when they go home. For sure an event that will ‘improve the lives of people living with mood disorders.’ What a concept. It is re­ally a blessing for me to be here at the conference. I guarantee you that I’ll do a world more good with what I’ve gained from the conference. Thank you! You’re helping many through me.”

~ 2009 conference participant

“You are part of an organization that is a very valu­able resource. When Joe was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, your website was there to give us the information we were so desperate for, as well as to help Joe find a local support group. I am hopeful that someday there will be a real cure for this horrible disease that took him from us way too soon.

Thanks again...I appreciate it.”

~ Sue Kinner

In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"

Chloe was born with only two heart chambers, no septum, which separates the left, and right side of the heart. One side of her heart was enlarged and the other was under developed.

Faith was born with tricuspid atresia, which caused her right ventricle to be under-developed and unable to pump blood from her heart to her lungs.

This is Brody Miller with his mother. Like most 5 year old boys, Brody’s day consists of going to Kindergarten, playing with friends, watching TV, and just being active! To look at Brody, you would never know that just a few months ago he was in a doctor’s office, and was facing the possibility of going blind.

Rockville residents Gerardo and Jesse welcomed their son Gabriel in 2005. Gabriel was happy and active until a week after Christmas 2006, when they received the dreadful news that Gabriel had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). He was just 1½ years old.

At 5 1/2 years old, Ethan is really like any other little boy. He thinks playing with friends is the best part of preschool. He knows if dad says "no", to go ask mom. He loves playing video games, playing outside with his friends, playing soccer, watching football games with dad, and going to the park. Ethan also knows he has something called cystic fibrosis. He knows this is why he has to take pills before he eats, why his sinuses are so bad, why he has so many medications and therapies to do, and why he has special doctors.

My name is Emily and I'm 15 years old and a type 1 diabetic since February 21, 2000. The day I was diagnosed was all a little hazy, I just woke up to go to school, ended up throwing up and it only became worse the whole day. By night I was throwing up every 15 minutes no matter what, which is when I was taken to the hospital. There I waited for a really long time before they took me to see a doctor, but all I remember of that night was lying on a bed and going up an elevator before I woke up the next day in the hospital.

Chloe was born with only 2 heart chambers, no septum which separates the left and right side of the heart. One side of her heart was enlarged and the other was under developed.

"This was the most important experience I have had since I was first diagnosed -- I finally found others who understood -- even without having to say a thing. I don't feel so alone. " "The conference turned out to be much, much, much better than what I expected. The speakers, the workshops were fantastic. I have a better understanding of my son's illness. Thank you! " "The breakout session choices / options were excellent. ‘Ask the Professional’ was the best ever at a conference. " "The information, the people, the hope! Well done! " "The variety of speakers and peer roundtable sessions were great. " "Really motivational keynotes just excellent! 

Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Unfortunately, access to screening is a major barrier for women who live in rural areas. Susan G. Komen for the Cure currently provides funding to West Virginia University Mary Babb Cancer Center to develop small media campaigns to promote Bonnie’s Bus.

Navigating your way through a complex health system is often times challenging. This is especially true for someone who is uninsured or underinsured. Susan G. Komen for the Cure funds the Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County, Inc. This collaboration includes the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, 12 non-profit “safety-net” clinics, and five community hospitals.

Over the past twenty years, great improvements have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise. There are about 2.5 million survivors alive in the U.S. today! Unfortunately, many women undergoing treatment are hard pressed financially.

Alzheimer’s disease was definitely not top of mind for me a few years ago. And hearing about the topic occasionally on the news, there was a sense of detachment; no personal relevance. Things changed suddenly in January of 2007. My Dad called from China and said he wanted to move back. He had gone through some testing in China for Alzheimer’s, but there was fear, uncertainty, and a lack of options.

A Personal Reflection and Appreciation by Ted Comet "Preserving my sanity... countering aloneness and despair... the only place I can openly express my pain, loss and anger... gaining valuable insights and direction" These responses by members of my Alzheimer's Spouse Support Group vividly describe what we have gained from our weekly meetings. They movingly convey both the desperation of our situation as spouse caregivers and the great value of the healing experience provided by the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. What makes these sessions so helpful?

Mary Carnahan has more reason than most to feel sorry for herself. She suffers from kidney disease and must be hooked up to a dialysis machine three times weekly. She also has emphysema and needs a walker and infinite reserves of patience to get around. So, when a flood last June ravaged the modest Cedar Rapids home she and her husband Carroll shared, no one would have blamed her if she had belly-ached a bit. But that’s just not who she is: “Oh, I was upset that I lost everything in the house – and the house!” says Carnahan, 70, who had been married 45 years.

Give up a kidney to keep her 29-year-old cousin alive? No problem. Give up Diet Dr. Pepper to prepare for the transplant surgery? Now that was a real sacrifice. Darlene Navarette found out at an annual New Year’s Day family get together at her grandmother’s house that her cousin Holly Miyagawa, needed a kidney transplant. Navarette offered hers on the spot. The successful transplant surgery was performed two months later in March of 2000.

To Joe Abruzzese, Chuck Fruit was more than a friend. He was a hero, who wore his power -- and his pain -- ever so lightly. A top marketing executive at Coca Cola and a kidney transplant recipient, Fruit, who died last year, also happened to be a champion fundraiser and passionate cheerleader in his role as NKF’s Chairman. So when he asked Abruzzese,president of sales for Discovery Communications, to chair the Springtime in New York Gala at Lincoln Center, it was a done deal.

This is Brody Miller with his mother. Like most 5 year old boys, Brody’s day consists of going to Kindergarten,playing with friends, watching TV, and just being active! To look at Brody, you would never know that a few months ago he was in a doctor’s office, and was facing the possibility of going blind.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2008 National Goodwill Ambassador is Abbey Umali of Redlands, Calif., a lively and articulate 8-year-old with a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. “Abbey is precocious and charismatic,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said.

Karin was the Support Group leader in Edmonds, WA until she moved out of the country. She indicates the Association was very helpful when she was first diagnosed with endometriosis. At that time she bought one of our books and found it immensely valuable. She enjoyed the support group meetings, "It was so special to have a group of women who truly understood what I was going through and could empathize with my situation".

Pamela was diagnosed with severe endometriosis over 20 years ago. She has had many surgeries to "treat" the disease. It has caused her great heartache throughout her life and left her unable to conceive a child. It has also wreaked havoc on her professional and personal life. Pamela writes us to indicate that the Endometriosis Association has been a lifeline for her over the years. She writes, "They have tenaciously worked to promote self-education, raise awareness of the disease and its effects, share knowledge and information, and support those that suffer.

My husband, Dr. John Cravero, lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in November 1999. When we first met in the summer of 2007, I could see the impact that the loss of his mom still had on him even 8 years after her passing, so I wanted to learn more about the disease so that I could have a better understanding of what his family had gone though. As we were getting to know each other, we talked a lot about his mom and what they had all experienced following her diagnosis and journey through the disease.

Sharon Belvin was only 22 years old when she learned she had late-stage metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Despite undergoing a series of treatments that left her body ravaged and her spirit exhausted, her cancer kept coming back, each time worse than before.

At age 44, Christine Sable had few worries about her cancer risk, especially since no one in her immediate or extended family had a history of cancer. This mother of two, wife, and full-time real estate professional was leading an active, healthy life. But then she received some shocking news that sent her and her family into a tailspin. After a few months of minor, persisting symptoms—mild abdominal discomfort that she easily could have ignored—Christine made what she thought would be a routine visit to her doctor.

Before his injury, Richard was an airplane mechanic who was walking on the sidewalk at Florissant Valley Community College when a car jumped the curb and hit him. After months in a coma Richard awoke to find that his thinking ability had changed, he had trouble walking and could not return to his previous job. Richard was released from the hospital with nowhere to turn.

Keara, 19, is a young woman who knows what she wants from life. She spends time with her friends from Maize High School. A self-professed “freak” about the internet, she uses instant messaging and Facebook to stay connected to others. She loves reality shows like The Bachelor and watches her favorite music videos on YouTube.

Lindsey was eight years old when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “I didn’t know what Alzheimer’s was exactly, but I knew it was bad,” the 14-year-old said. Her father’s onset of Alzheimer’s at the age of 50 changed her family forever.

For Kris, a diagnosis for her forgetfulness came as a relief. She now knew what she was dealing with: Alzheimer's disease. She was only 46. I think there comes a point in everyone’s life when we pause to reflect on the past, realize the present, and look to the future. That happened for me at the age of 46. I’d been married for over 20 years, our son was in his first year of college, I was happy in my job and my husband was looking forward to retirement. We were all healthy, tried to exercise, eat right and live an active life.

My wife, Sue Koelliker, graduated – went to be with the Lord – on June 26, 2009. The majority of her life was dedicated to helping children and other people. Amazing people helped her the last two years of her life. Sue was diagnosed with ALS on December 13, 2007 during that terrible ice storm. We attended our first ALS Clinic at KU Medical Center on December 17, where we first met our Care Coordinator, Nancy.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Arizona was proud to welcome over 80 youths to the annual MDA Summer Camp held at Camp Shadow Pines in Heber, Ariz., May 31 – June 6! During the session, campers got the chance to participate in fun camp activities made possible by the dedication of our volunteers—this year’s theme was “2009 Arizona All-Stars.” The activities included horseback riding, scavenger hunting, a talent show, and a camp favorite—the wheelchair soccer tournament.

My son Nick was diagnosed with Tourette when he was 5 years old. He already had a diagnosis of ADHD and would later add OCD to the list. I first noticed what appeared to be seizures when he was much younger. There were apparent signs of delays and he was tested through the school district’s early childhood center. Developmentally and cognitively he tested at the age of an 18 month old when he was actually 3 years.

“I wasn’t able to attend summer camp because of my asthma”, says Laura Delaney, American Lung Association Volunteer Camp Director. So as an adult, I wanted to make sure all children with asthma had an opportunity to experience a traditional camping experience.

Mikayla is 10 years old and is in the fifth grade at Trinity Christian School. For six years, she has been a Girl Scout and also participates on the cheerleading squad. After ten months of pain and barely able to move, Mikayla was diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 3 years old. 

This is Cassidy. She had a STROKE before she was even born. Cassidy was born perfectly healthy. After noticing she prefered her left hand at a very early age, not putting any weight on her right leg and having her toes curled up all the time,  we took her to the doctor. After a year and a half of doctors not being able to tell me what was wrong with her, she was finally scheduled for an MRI. In August of 2005, right before her 2nd birthday, we were told she had had a stroke before she was even born and diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

At the age of 10, Taylor Harbin was diligently working toward a three year goal of Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He began complaining of aches and pains in his joints which his parents attributed to the many hours of practice. As time progressed, he began to refuse his little brother’s request to go outside and play. Eventually the pain progressed until he could not get out of bed by himself.

When I was first diagnosed with lupus, 13 years ago, my life had already begun to fall apart. I was having difficulty keeping up with teenage life. I wasn't able to stay up late from the fatigue. My body hurt in ways I couldn't describe. It wasn't until I decided to contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Florida Chapter, that my life changed for ever.

Nineteen-year-old Bryant had extremely poor vision from a young age and the glasses he wore didn't help, until one day he asked his family to drive him to the clinic.  It was at the Community Vision Outreach Clinic at the Prevent Blindness Georgia office that Bryant was given hope of vision once again.

Andy is 31 years old and lives with cystic fibrosis, a disease with a median life expectancy of 32 years.  But Andy’s life now far exceeds the typical life expectancy, and in so many ways. 

Staff Sergeant Mark Thompson convinced the Army that having type-1 diabetes should not keep him from serving in Iraq. Thompson, 28, is an Iowa native. He has been married for nine years and has a son, Kyle, who is two years old. He has always had something of a travel bug, and it was this desire to see the world that inspired Thompson to join the Army. That, and the stories he heard from his college roommate -- an older student who had served in the Vietnam War. As Thompson listened, the Army started to sound like an adventure.