Jump, Jiggle and Jive
For Jasper 
Jump, Jiggle and Jive
For Jasper
On Saturday, February 23, 2008, Drummond Montessori Magnet School hosted a fundraiser to honor Jasper. Over $8,000 was raised and donated to the MLD Foundation in honor of Jasper to fund research and increase awareness of MLD.
What is
Metachromatic Leukodystrophy?
Metachromatic
Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, inherited disease. People with MLD lack an enzyme called Arylsulfatase-A. Arylsulfatase-A is an enzyme that breaks down sulfatides (a fatty substance) which is usually produced and broken down by cells in the brain. However, when Arylsulfatase-A is deficient, sulfatides build up and poison the brain and nervous system, causing a disruption in the communications from the brain to the rest of the body. This loss of/or miscommunication accounts for the loss of physical and/or cognitive skills. The disease is progressive and at this time, there is hope, but not a cure ... yet! --- [learn more about MLD here]
What was the fundraiser and how did it work?
This fundraiser was held in honor of Jasper Lipe, a child in our school community, who is fighting a battle against MLD.
Jasper was born a healthy, happy baby boy and at 24 months old he was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. Jasper and his family spent about 6 months in North Carolina at Duke University Hospital. During this time, Jasper underwent many procedures including a cord blood transplant from his baby sister. Unfortunately, Jasper’s MLD has progressed and no one knows if he will regain any of his previous abilities. If you are interested in learning more about Jasper’s journey and how he is doing now, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org, password: Jasperwatch.
The money raised at this event went to the MLD Foundation to support further research, increase awareness and support newborn screening.
This fundraiser was a dance-a-thon, the community showed off their dance moves while listening to the music. There was also some group dances like the “Hokey-Pokey, The Tooty-Ta, the Chicken Dance and the Cha-Cha slide”.
If you would like to support Jasper and his family in his MLD fight, please send a check to:
Jasper Watch
1721 N Honore
Chicago, IL 60622
Thank you,
Kathleen Kerber
Early Childhood (3-6) Montessori Teacher
The Jump Jiggle and Jive event is over. You can learn more about the MLD Foundation by clicking here. |
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This web site is hosted and provided by the MLD Foundation, a West Linn, Oregon USA based |
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