Tay-Sachs is a frightening genetic disorder that was first brought to my attention by a teacher (and a family friend) who's daughter was taken by the illness.

Tay-Sachs is a genetic disorder in children that kills all who suffer from it. It causes a gradual and painful breakdown in an individual's nervous system. A child who has it will appear healthy at birth and will develop at a normal rate until they're about six months old. Sadly, by the time most children with tay-sachs are two, they experience recurring seizures and diminishing mental functions. Instead of continuing to grow and mature, the child regresses, and loses their skills one by one, until they are eventually unable to crawl, sit, turn over, or reach out. Before the child dies, they become blind, mentally retarded, paralyzed, and unresponsive to their environment. As of yet, there is no cure or even effective treatment for children born with the disease. The disease is, however, preventable. But unfortunately children are still born with it, and still die, every year.

The run is for the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, the same organization that I have backed the previous two years.

Over the past two years, I've raised a total of a little over $1,200 to help fight the disease. I placed relatively well in the run both years (I would've done better if my asthma hadn't kicked in each time).

I am starting fundraising very, very early this year; the run isn't till October, but I really want to raise well over $1000 this year. Over the past two years, the help of deviantART members has been invaluable, accounting for at least a quarter of the proceeds both year.


I've set up a weblog this year at blogspot. Bookmark it, and it'll keep you updated about how much money I've raised. I'm going to update the log often.

I am accepting donations via mail and paypal, and tax receipts have (in the past) been given to those who donate $10 CAD or more. I am hesitant about using PayPal, as I haven't the two previous years, and I prefer cheques or money orders, but if PayPal is the most convenient method please feel free. ANY donation helps, as small as a dollar or two or less than that. If you wish to send money via PayPal, please do so to dstopping@hotmail.com or visit the weblog and click the 'make a donation' button on the top center.

If you cannot donate, please spread the word. Link to this article, tell your friends, do whatever you can.

If you need ANY information, at all, about me, the charity, or disease, please e-mail me.

The Tay-Sachs Fundraiser 2004 Weblog
Information about the disease.
Last year's article.
Last year's race results.