On April 2nd, 2014 our lives were turned completely upside-down when our 7-year old son Bradley was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis,  a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease which causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues. It can affect virtually any system of the body, the heart, lungs, skin, muscles, and more.  At the time, Bradley was in first grade.  He could barely walk, needed help getting in and out of bed, as well as getting dressed and brushing his hair.  He had trouble swallowing.  Our very active 7-year old was "stuck in a body that doesn't work" (His words, not mine).  

There are no FDA approved medications that are indicated for what Bradley has.  Most of his treatments have been derived by treatment for other diseases.  His medication regime has included weekly chemotherapy injections for over four years, hospitalizations every 30 days for IVIG infusions for three years (that last about 14 hours), and steroids medications that weaken his immune system so his body will stop attacking itself.  He has also sustained multiple emergency room visits as well as hospitalizations for the ugly side effects from these medicines.

Throughout it all, he always has a smile on his face.  You may never know just by looking at him the bravery and courage that he has every, single, day.

Gifts will be matched by the Leetz Family Match.

Your gift will be put right to work to:

• Advance four clinical trials
• Help kids get the best care
• Fund our largest-ever grant cycle, including investigating a new type of gene therapy