Hannah's Hope Fund For GAN

I have met Hannah and her lovely family through some volunteer work I did a few years ago, helping with publicity and flyers for an event. HHF is different from other non-profits in that all members of their organization go above and beyond every day to make a difference in the lives of children with GAN - and in that they have succeeded far beyond their expectations. Their clinical trials and approach to collaborating with doctors and researchers, both domestically and abroad, is groundbreaking, and will have a lasting impact on the nonprofit industry. I consider HHF an inspiring organization and encourage everyone with an interest to contribute in any way they are able.

From the seeds of a tragedy sprang hope. That is the basis for this family-led charity. Facing a death sentence for their daughter, Lori and Matt Sames planted the seeds which now have HHF on the brink of a scientific breakthrough, fostering hope for all families with children affected by GAN and for those who love those families. HHF has been THE agency for families of GAN since its inception. The work of the charity is based in science, but the force of the charity is based in determination, grit, love and undying support from family and friends and the local communities where these children and families live. Charities like HHF strengthen one's belief in the impossible. No one could ask for a better charity to support.

Hannah's parents started this fund and brought together the GAN community giving families a voice, a friend, and hope. They and their many volunteers have worked to raise money and help start a treatment plan for GAN. Hannah's parents found any researcher who had worked on GAN and made a team of scientists committed to one goal. I have known Hannah's mother for over 20 years. My family and I have participated in various events, and championed a fundraiser with our 4H group to help Hannah's Hope. I do this because I can and I have seen how hard Hannah's parents have worked to in such a short time to raise so much money and get as far as they have with a treatment. They do this for Hannah and for every other person with GAN and their families. Amazing.

Funds go directly to scientists looking for a cure for GAN. A great charity!

As the mother of two of the children affected by GAN, I am extraordinarily grateful for Hannah's Hope Fund and all that they have achieved in the fight to cure this horrible disorder.

As I watch my daughters struggle with the effects of this disorder, with no promise of it ever improving without medical intervention, I consider myself blessed to benefit from the work done each day by Lori Sames and Dr. Gray to find a cure that will stop the deterioration I see in my children.

I became affiliated with Hannah's Hope Fund in 2008, shortly after it became incorporated. Over the years, I have been a volunteer and chair at many of the HHF events. My family has become involved in the charity and love that it is a grass roots organization that our community has embraced.

This group is a total grass roots group that is working very hard to get the help that their child as well as all other children with Gan the medical help they need. This is an orphan disease so it doesn't get any funding and all research is funded by the money they raise. This is a great group and one that I will continue to help in any way that I can. I have been fortunate enough to meet Hannah.

A great organization for a great cause. I'd like to spread the word about it!

I had the wonderful, accidental pleasure of meeting Hannah while volunteering at a Serious Fun camp. Touched by her story, I did a quick search and found out all of the amazing work that her family, friends, and volunteers are doing to help Hannah and children like her around the world with Hannah's Hope Fund. Hannah's Hope Fund is currently working to find a cure for GAN, has raised millions of dollars and helped countless of people who were told that there children no longer had hope. Everyone I have met within HHF is kind, ridiculously hard working and inspiring. How could you not want to take part in such a cause? I would recommend it to everyone, and to be honest, I've already started doing so!

Great organization - so happy to participate in their efforts

I've had the privilege of working with Hannah's Hope Fund as a volunteer after learning about Hannah's Hope as a health care professional. I would volunteer and work and give anything I can to help cure Giant Axonal Neuropathy with this organization of primarily volunteers and people who care about children and this rare disease, and by simple, continual actions and giving, by word of mouth and much hard work have earned the respect and admiration of the local, national and international community and of the professional and research community as well. The theme of Margaret Mead's statement, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." rings true with Hannah's Hope. This is a group that tirelessly advocates for children and young adults with this terminal disease - and through their efforts an amazing, unheard of accomplishment has occurred in just 4 short years - the first of its kind human treatment trial for a cure. There IS hope now for these kids and their family's , who up until now, had no hope. There is a future. In my 25 years of nursing as an RN in different capacities in health care, I have never seen such an advancement in such a short time with such limited resources to start. Millions of dollars have been raised in four years by word of mouth and hard work of volunteers - moms, dads, kids, communities. It is truly miraculous and every penny goes directly to funding the cure and the research specific to G.A.N. I have also had the privilege of meeting beautiful Hannah - her smile, her hope, her encouragement and spirit are life changing for everyone who's met her. The courage and strength of Hannah's mom and dad, Matt and Lori, and their two other daughters, to make this happen for any and all other children and families affected by this rare disease, gives me the strength, hope and determination to keep fighting for a cure as well. I deeply and earnestly respect and and humbled to have any part of helping, donating and being a part of such a great organization and such a great group of people.

I have worked with Hannah's Hope Fund and they are truly appreciative for any help they get - wether it be your time or monetary donation. They are currently in a big fundraising effort to go to clinical trial. Please go to their site and donate whatever you can. All is appreciated! http://www.hannahshopefund.org/donate/

I have heard about HHF from a friend and the good work they are doing. I support their efforts in finding a cure for this disease.

I share HHF's goals for finding a cure for GAN. I hope they find the funds needed to continue their efforts.

I highly recommend Hannah's Hope for GAN. They are persistent and dedicated to making a change and educating the world about GAN.

Lori Sames, the Ex. Director for HHF, is an extraordinary woman. With help from her staff of one and amazing friends, family and a supportive community, Lori has accomplished the impossible time and again. I only four years, a treatment for GAN is in sight! I am so proud of this groups accomplishments. Every penny is put to such great use without waste so prevalent in many charities. I gladly support HHF. Please visit their site for more information and you too will want to be z part of this miracle in motion.

Praise God for the work they have done and are doing. My two granddaughters are children with GAN and hopefully their work will help them live longer more productive lives.

I had been following Hannah's Hope since it's foundation but I didn't truly see the depth of its impact until I met Hannah this past summer. Hannah is such a bright and positive young lady. It is amazing how much this family has done for her and for all the children with GAN. Just because a disease is rare doesn't mean that no one should try to find a treatment for it. Who knows maybe the treatment for this illness could lead to the discovery of treatments for other illnesses.

I have been involved with this nonprofit for years now and still amazed daily at the accomplishments met. In just 4 short years the organization, which is a primarily family and volunteer driven, has done what they were originally told would take 10 yrs and 10M. This Charity brings 'fighter moms' and rare diseases to a new level. These families are amazing and these kids are precious. Thanks to Hannah's Hope Fund they now have hope where there once was non.

As a member of Hannah’s community, I have been following her life story since first reading about GAN and her diagnosis in the newspaper. I have donated to Hannah’s Hope Fund several times. I know that it is primarily run by family and friend volunteers. I am happy to donate knowing that the funds are going directly to financing a cure for this rare disease.

Hannah's Hope Fund is a foundation that truly makes a difference in children's lives. It gives hope to children who initially were told there was no treatment, no organization, and no research strategy. As a father of young children, I am moved by the efforts of this foundation and will continue to support them in their quest to find a cure for GAN.

I met Hannah in 2011. I was moved by her spirit, the dedication and adoration of her friends, and most of all the perseverance of her mom and dad to find treatment and therapies for this rare, fatal disease. The grace and determination of her parents is unbelievable. Being involved in Hannah's Hope Fund has provided endless opportunities to help teach my kids about compassion and character. My five year-old son emptied his piggy bank and donated its entirety to Hannah’s Hope Fund, and discussed GAN with his pediatrician to ensure he (the doctor) knew what this rare disease was. I spend countless hours every week utilizing social media and researching opportunities for this organization. It is a honor to be part of the world dedicated to developing a cure for GAN.