http://www.active.com/donate/nfsa2009/teamdenver

THANKS AND MANY BLESSINGS!

Welcome Family and Friends to our Fundraising Webpage!

I am Katy Wakin a.k.a. Katy Milburn, (for those that do not know me by my married name.) My parents are Mike and Gala Milburn of Burleson, TX. My husband is Jason Wakin and his parents are Larry and Sandy Knebel of Arlington, TX and Mike and Jackie Wakin of Danville, CA. Jason and I have created this webpage to raise money for a very special cause.

Our son, Denver was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) at his 15 month check-up appointment. I remember that even though I have grown up with NF, my first reaction was concern and helplessness. I wanted to cry. I didn’t want Denver to have this, even though I knew already in the back of my mind that he did. His particular case seems mild at the present time, but only time can tell.

Allow me to give you a little background on Neurofibromatosis. It is a nervous system genetic disorder, which is passed on more often than not genetically, although in a large percentage of cases, spontaneous mutation is responsible for its manifestation. NF1 occurs in 1 in 3,000 births, and is characterized by multiple cafe-au-lait spots (brownish skin spots around the torso) and neurofibromas (small tumors) on or under the skin. Enlargement and deformation of bones and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) can also occur. Occasionally, internal tumors may develop in the brain, the eyes, on cranial nerves, or on the spinal cord. About 50% of people with NF1 also have learning disabilities. People with NF1 can experience a broad range of symptoms that can be more or less severe in nature, depending on each individual case. To give you an idea of how NF can affect one family…in my family ALONE there are 8 known cases of neurofibromatosis. Denver, myself, my mom, my pa-pa, my aunt, and three cousins - that is just ONE family. Find more information at www.ctf.org.

For those visiting this site wondering what NF is or why we would choose to run 26.2 miles …we do it for our son, Denver and the 100,000 other Americans who suffer from Neurofibromatosis. We are running to raise awareness of NF and for research & treatment of the disorder.

Jason and I will be running in the Rock-N-Roll Arizona Marathon January 13, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ. In order to help find a cure, we have to raise awareness and funds for research. The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the leading organization coordinating research for NF. A great way to help is to make a donation…all proceeds go towards solving the NF puzzle (research) and are tax deductible…not to mention the joy of knowing you are making us run!!!

Each passing day brings us more hope that Denver will benefit from a cure in the early part of his lifespan.

Keep an eye on us throughout our training at: www.wakintexas.blogspot.com

You can donate online at this site, or if you prefer to send a check by mail, email me at katyanne@sbcglobal.net and I will send you the correct forms to send in!

We can't run from NF... but we will run for it! We need your help!

God Bless, Katy, Jason and Denver Wakin