About Chelsea’s Hope
The mission of Chelsea’s Hope is to raise funds for research, treatment, and ultimately, a cure for those affected by Lafora Disease.
Chelsea’s Hope Lafora Children Research Fund is an IRS 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Chelsea’s Hope, Post Office Box 348626, Sacramento, CA 95834
949-812-8823 – Frank Harris (President)
Chelsea’s Hope Hosts Research Webinar
/0 Comments/in News /by Frank HarrisChelsea’s Hope Hosts Research Webinar
On June 7, 2021, Chelsea’s Hope was thrilled to be able to host a research webinar on Lafora Disease. We were joined by Matt Gentry of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative (LECI) and Dustin Armstrong and Rob Shaffer of EnAble Therapeutics joined us to discuss the current state of LECI research and exciting new research being done with EnAble Therapeutics.
Chelsea’s Hope thanks Drs. Gentry, Armstrong, and Shaffer for meeting with our families via this webinar. Additional thanks are due to Lena Ismail and Sheila Barter for arranging this event.
A recording of the webinar can be viewed here.
Update on 2021 LD Meeting
/0 Comments/in News /by Alan BarterDue to continued COVID restrictions, the July 2021 LD meeting has been rescheduled for September 20th – 21st, 2021 at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine in La Jolla, CA. The meeting will be both in person and available on-line. Presentations will begin in the early afternoon on September 20th with an update regarding current research and efforts to move therapies into the clinic. This update will be followed by scientific talks, time for Q&A, and the evening will conclude with a meal to promote discussion and interactions. September 21st will be a full day of scientific talks focused on LD research with a poster session and meals provided.
Researchers Have Discovered the Cause of Neurodegeneration in Lafora Patients
/0 Comments/in News, What's New /by Frank HarrisOne of the more horrifying impacts of Lafora Disease is the neurodegeneration that these children suffer. Families bear witness as their children suffer in frustration from their own cognitive decline. Researchers now understand the cause of this degeneration. As Dr. Jordi Duran explains in this article, “For years it was believed that the disease was caused by the accumulation of Lafora bodies only in neurons, but now we have shown that neurodegeneration is caused by accumulations in glial cells.”
Chelsea’s Hope is thrilled to thank Dr. Guinovart, Dr. Duran, and their entire staff of researchers for this great discovery. We also offer our sincere thanks to Dr. Matt Gentry and Dr. Jose Antonio del Rio for their important support and contributions to this discovery.
Chelsea’s Hope and all the Lafora families desperately hope for a cure for Lafora. Drs. Guinovart and Duran have gotten us a step closer.
Calling all People and Caregivers in the Lafora Disease Community: We need your help!
/0 Comments/in News /by Alan BarterTake a survey to help better understand what it’s like living with Lafora disease (LD) and to help guide development of new potential LD therapies.
Learn more here: Calling All People and Caregivers
A Special Song for Angelina
/0 Comments/in News /by Alan BarterJust Like A Butterfly by Niki Markou
“Just Like A Butterfly” Audio Release Date: February 10th, 2021, available on multiple digital music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music & TikTok. We ask you stream the song and also make a donation! Help save our children.
“This journey has been extremely difficult and devastating and we do not want to lose our beautiful girl. I have written a song that is about how she bounces back from her seizures and what I wish for her ” – Mother, Niki Markou
Our Story
Chelsea’s Hope Patient Assistance Grant Deadline Extended
/0 Comments/in News, What's New /by Frank HarrisDear Lafora Families,
With funding from the Global Genes’ Continuity of Care RARE Patient Impact Grant, Chelsea’s Hope is offering grants to Lafora Households Impacted by COVID-19.
Limited funds are available, but we hope to help as many patients as possible. The application deadline has now been extended a week to December 7, 2020. All applications will be reviewed with the goal of making awards by December 15, 2020. Please contact Chelsea’s Hope with any questions or for help completing the form.
Chelsea’s Hope Patient Assistance Grant
The Epilepsy Foundation Releases Statement on Coronavirus
/0 Comments/in News, What's New /by Frank HarrisThe Coronavirus has affected our daily dialogue. Chelsea’s Hope understands that to those caring for a Lafora patient, concerns are even greater. The Epilepsy Foundation has released the following brief on the coronavirus.
Concerns About Coronavirus
5th LECI workshop Paper
/0 Comments/in News, What's New /by Alan Barter“The 5th International Lafora Epilepsy Workshop: Basic science elucidating therapeutic options and preparing for therapies in the clinic”
5th LECI workshop Paper