In Loving Memory of
Lulu Xochi Calderon
August 1, 1998 - March 25, 2008

"If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why or why can't I?"

Hi to all you family, friends and community,

We write this letter to announce a fund raising drive for Lulu Calderon, aged eight years! 
We need to raise $30,000 for Lulu’s stem cell treatment. 
Please read on to find out why and how you can help.

History
Lulu had her first seizure at the age of five years.  For the next two years we struggled to find the right seizure medication and to understand what was happening to our daughter.  After many doctors visits, tests, medication trials and seizures suffered, we finally got a diagnosis and with it an explanation of Lulu’s progressive decline. The news was not good.
 
Lulu was diagnosed with Batten disease NCL2.  This is a particularly cruel, extremely rare, neurological illness.  There is, at present, no known cure and no known recovery from this disease.   Begin quote.... ”Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system.  Over time, affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills.  Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden and demented”... End quote.  One can learn more about Batten disease from “The Batten disease support and research association,” on the web at www.bdsra.org.

At first we were overwhelmed by sadness.  But like moths drawn towards the light, we have emerged into the sunshine, ready to take on the fight to save our daughter’s life.

Ray of hope
We have learned of a revolutionary treatment using stem cells that has the potential to halt or slow the progression of Lulu’s illness.  You can learn more about this treatment on the web at www.medra.com.  When visiting this site, one also has access to a documentary called “Clayton’s Story” about a little boy’s miraculous recovery from life threatening seizures.  It is an awesome testimonial to the powerful potential of stem cell therapy, and one that we can personally vouch for.   Clayton’s parents are friends of ours.
 
This treatment presently is only available in the Dominican Republic and costs $ 25,000 for the first visit.  We need an estimated $5,000 in additional funds for airfare and living expenses abroad.

Making it happen
The Talbert Family Foundation, a nonprofit charity organization that receives donations on behalf of families, giving them a tax exempt status, has made Lulu one of its “TTF kids.”  They help with fundraising, matching grants and much more. 
We are very grateful for their support. 

Any size gift is greatly appreciated and will bring us one step closer to realizing our goal.
We humbly thank you for your time and generosity. 
“Where there is life, there is hope.”

Love,
Kat, Danny, Lulu and Merlin