"Putt" An End To Mito

I am happy to say "Putt" An End To Mito was a HUGE SUCCESS!!!  It was a truly amazing experience to see how many people came out to play and support our cause.  Trace is so loved by so many!!

Thomas & I decided in August that we wanted to do something to benefit the UT Mitochondrial Center of Excellence.  This is the clinic that treats Trace & his best buddy Hudson.  I know I've said it before, but Dr. K and her team are the most brilliant & compassionate people.  I don't know where Trace would be today without them.  We are fortunate to have this clinic so close to home.  It is the only mito clinic in the Southern United States, so at least we don't have to fly or drive hundreds of miles across Texas to see a doctor who can treat mitochondrial disease.  There are only a handful of doctors in the entire United States who specialize & treat mito patients.  After discussing some options, we thought a golf tournament would be a great way to raise the funds for the clinic.  It was all able to happen (in 2 months!) because of a wonderful group of family members & friends.  They really stepped up and made this tournament outstanding.  For them we are so blessed!  The tournament was held in honor of Trace and his best buddy Hudson.  We had such a wonderful response.  We tripled our original monetary goal - yeah!  We had 33 teams (4 players each) attend and turned down at least a dozen more.  As it was sad to have to turn people away, it was a good feeling to know we filled our tournament so quickly. It was a success before we even arrived at the course Friday!  

Hudson was unable to join us Friday because he was accepted in a clinical trial for EPI-743 in California.  This is a trial drug which has shown promising results so far in terms of increased energy, strength and cognitive awareness.  This drug is not a cure for mitochondrial disease.  It is a baby step on the path to a cure.  A cure so many are fighting for - one that will allow our mito babies to live!  We are so greatful he was accepted into the trial.  Please keep him in your prayers so he may receive great results from this new treatment. 

I don't really know how to express the emmense amount of joy and love I have for everyone who organized, helped, donated, played and attended the golf tournament.  It was something I've never seen or felt before - and it was because of all who love my sweet boy Trace.  God has blessed us with Trace and he will do great things.  On October 28, 2011 we witnessed one of those great things!  Thank you to all for your continued support & help in reaching a cure for mitochondrial disease!

For more information about the UT Mitochondrial Center of Excellence or to make a donation, please go to http://www.utmito.org/. 

I will post pictures from the tournament in a separate post after I receive them. 

Hope, Love, Courage &Faith,

Laurie