Chelsea Gerber

Chelsea Gerber (1990-December 19, 2016)

Chelsea Gerber passed away on Monday, December 19, following a 12 and a half year struggle with Lafora disease. She was 26 years old.

There will be a Memorial Service on Thursday December 22nd at 1pm at Beth Chaim Congregation at 1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville, CA, 94506

For those of you who have lost touch with Chelsea, please go to our website at www.chelseashope.org to read stories about Chelsea and the research fund she inspired. Please consider donating to Chelsea’s Hope so other families and children can benefit from the research that is ongoing.

BIOGRAPHY

Our daughter, Chelsea now nearly 23 years old, was diagnosed with Lafora Disease in 2005 at age 15. The ravages of this rapidly progressive and horribly degenerative disease have taken everything leaving her fully compromised both mentally and physically. Though, unable to communicate, care for her own basic needs, eat or compose thought, she is mostly content and and in no pain, which is a blessing.

Chelsea as a young girl was a spirited and joyful child. She loved life in a big way, was bright and energetic and curious about the world around her. She was well known for her enthusiasm and big laugh and wanted to participate in everything. Her love of school and learning always made her a favorite of the teachers, even though she was much too social and chatty in class. She saw the world though pure and non-judgmental eyes and made friends wherever she went.

Chelsea is our daughter, but she could be yours. Lafora Disease affects 1 in a million children and her story is really not much different than any other child represented on Chelsea’s Hope. All had big dreams, inspirations and deserve a better life than this tragedy.

Chelsea’s Hope represents HOPE for all children suffering from Lafora disease. As you read the diaries of our children, consider, “What if this were my child?”

We, the affected families, have come together as a community to make a difference by sharing our stories, raising awareness, and connecting with the world’s leading researchers to support finding a cure for Lafora disease.

Please help our children by donating today.

Thank you for your interest in Chelsea’s Hope Lafora Children Research Fund.

Linda and Howard, Chelsea’s parents

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Parent Diaries

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