Kate, 4, was diagnosed at birth with LCHADD (Long-Chain Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency), a type of FAOD (fatty acid oxidation disorder). LCHADD is a rare metabolic disorder that prevents Kates body from converting certain fats into energy. Because of this, her body breaks down her muscles for energy, leading to neuropathy, frequent hospitalizations, and the possibility of sudden death. Thankfully, newborn screenings have helped improve diagnosis, and treatment options have increased the survival rate. However, ongoing health problems, such as heart failure, blindness, and disability, continue to be high even with treatment. LCHADD currently affects about 1 in 250,000 births with Wisconsin typically diagnosing 1 case every 3-4 years.

The good news is, research for LCHADD is very promising! We have teamed up with a family in Kentucky whose little boy, Sawyer, was born with TFP (trifunctional protein deficiency), another rare type of FAOD. Currently, there are less than 100 documented cases worldwide and no one living past the age of 32.

Dr. Jerry Vockley, with Pittsburg Childrens Hospital, is the worlds leading specialist on metabolic disorders. His research is working towards a cure for LCHAD, TFP, and other FAODs. In 2021, he was close to an effective treatment, but government funding was lost due to COVID redirection and has yet to be restored. This is why we have teamed with Sawyers family to help Dr. Vockleys search for a cure. BLESSINGS OVERFLOW, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to funding critical TFP and LCHAD research. We partner with Sawyers family to raise money and donate 100% of the proceeds directly to the Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital. These funds are earmarked for Dr. Vockleys lab and his teams life-saving work.

This will be our third year hosting the 5Kater, a 5K walk with family and friends, and weve raised over $10,000 the past two years, which contributed to the over $500,000 raised by Sawyers Race for Research to date. This money has helped keep Dr. Vockleys research going, speed up major breakthroughs, and shorten the timeline for life-saving therapy by years!

We would be honored to have your support through any donations possible. We will be including a raffle at the 5Kater and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to research. Were proud to be a part of the progress thats been made, and improving the outlook for kids like Kate and Sawyer. Donations can also be made directly through Sawyers Race for Research website, Sawyers race in Kentucky, found at this link. [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/KY/ParkCity/RuntheMaple]

The 5Kater will include:

* the choice of a 5k run/walk, 1k walk, and kid's fun run
* beverages for sale from Bar Carte Co.
* face painting
* silent auction