Join the Fight Against Canavan Disease

Canavan disease is a rare genetic neurological disorder characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. Affected infants may seem normal at birth, but usually develop symptoms between 3-6 months of age. Symptoms may include an abnormally large head, lack of head control, severely diminished muscle tone resulting in "floppiness," and delays in reaching developmental milestones such as independent sitting and walking. Most affected children develop life-threatening complications by 10 years old. Canavan disease occurs due to mutations in the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene that affects the breakdown (metabolism) of the N-acetylaspartic acid (NNA). It is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. 

Canavan disease belongs to a group of disorders known as the leukodystrophies. The leukodystrophies are a group of rare, progressive, metabolic, genetic disorders that can affect the brain, spinal cord and often the nerves outside the central nervous system (peripheral nerves). Each type of leukodystrophy is caused by an abnormality affecting a specific gene that results in abnormal development of one of at least 10 different chemicals that make up the white matter of the brain. The white matter is tissue composed of nerve fibers. Many of these nerve fibers are covered by a collection of fats (lipids) and proteins known as myelin. Myelin, which collectively may be referred to as the myelin sheath, protects the nerve fibers, acts as an insulator and increases the speed of transmission of nerve signals. Each type of leukodystrophy affects a different part of the myelin sheath, leading a range of different neurological problems.

Please help put an end to this disorder that prevents children from living their life to the fullest.

To Donate:
http://www.canavanfoundation.org/support_our_work

For for further information:
http://www.canavanfoundation.org/home

Join the fight to end Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)

I will dedicate this post to the disorder I have, Mal de Débarquement Syndrome, a rare balance disorder that is usually caused by extended air, auto, boat or travel. The persistent symptoms are inaccurate sensations of motion (bobbing/rocking/swaying/tumbling) that are usually associated with fatigue, imbalance and difficulty concentrating. The intensity of symptoms is highly variable among patients but may be quite disabling. In my case, even something as simple as taking an elevator up a few floors leaves a lasting feeling of bobbing. After remission, the recurrence rate of MdDS is high and the severity of the symptoms increases. Unfortunately, MdDS may persist for years, is frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, lacks an effective treatment, and the cause remains unknown. This disorder is in dire need of donations in order to make finding the cause and cure a possibility. Please join me in my fight to eradicate this disorder.

Here are some articles to better understand how this disorder impacts people's lives:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2317597/Mother-46-felt-constantly-travel-sick-EIGHT-years-getting-flight.html

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/2013/03/26/13/27/queensland-woman-develops-seasick-disease

Every cent makes a difference.

To Donate:http://www.mddsfoundation.org/donate/

For further information:http://www.mddsfoundation.org/:

The Power of Introverts

Although people are more aware of the value of introverts, we still live in a society that caters to extroverts. The ideal student in today's society is an extrovert who doesn't mind speaking up and working in groups, but still knows how to control himself. Most jobs are geared towards the high-energy, people person and team player, while the introvert is left trying to figure out where they fit in. In the video below, Susan Cain sheds a light on the fact that regardless of what society has brainwashed us into thinking, introverts have just as much value as extroverts. Cain has also written a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking that has and will continue to change the way society feels about introverts and empower them as well. The TED talk below foreshadows the brilliance that can be found in her book. Check it out!



Join the Quiet revolution.

For further information, please visit: http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/

To order the book, please visit: http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352145

End it Movement (Putting an end to slavery that still exists today)

Yes, slavery still exists. There are 27,000,000 men, women and children suffering in silence to prove it. The End it Movement is a cause dedicated to shine a light on and abolish the slavery that has been existing right under our noses for years. There is no reason why, in 2013, we should allow this disgusting practice continue. Join the fight to finally put an end to something that should have been over centuries ago.



For further information, visit: http://www.enditmovement.com/