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Help us raise money

For participating in The 2022 ASICS Falmouth Road Race

Our story…

Valeria Schenkel was born on 14 February 2018 in Switzerland. A few days after her birth, the little girl suffered her first epileptic seizure. The resulting diagnosis is devastating. Due to a de novo mutation on the KCNT1 gene, Valeria would be denied any cognitive or motor development in her life. Since then several seizures occured daily and Valeria suffered every day. Valeria's parents, Alexandra and Mario Schenkel fought for their daughter. Together with Yale School of Medicine and neurogeneticsts from Harvard Medical School (Boston Children's Hospital), they have set up a program that corrects the de novo mutation on the KCNT1 gene and stops its fatal effects. An Antisense Oligonucleotide named after Valeria - "Valeriasen" was first administered in September 2020. Valeria's seizures declined drastically but unfortunately Valeria lost her fight against her devastating disease in September 2021. Valeria has achieved many things in her short life. She has demonstrated, that drugs for orphan diseases can be developed in record time. Dosed correctly and given to other children with proper precautions and regular monitoring, Valeriasen is a promising drug. Other children are already being treated with it. Valeria has paid a very high price, but in return she has brought science a decisive step forward. Thanks to her fight for a chance in life, many children with a rare disease will be able to live a healthier and happier life.

Team members

Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Jul 19 Michelle Simon Go Chelsea!!! $54.10
Jul 19 Ron Barth $27.48
Jul 17 George Perakis God bless girl! You heart knows no bounds. $54.10
Jul 17 Katie Norregaard Good luck you! A very worthy cause! Enjoy the day! $27.48
Jul 06 Anonymous Go Mario! We're happy to support this great cause in Valeria's honor and memory. We wish you and your family a great visit to the USA. Undisclosed amount
Jul 03 Marc & Tillie Cairns Way to go, Tanya!!! Undisclosed amount
Jun 27 Christina Stagliano $54.10
Jun 24 Cory Floyd $54.10
Jun 24 Cory Floyd $54.10
Jun 24 Auntie Diane $27.48