Please join us Saturday morning May 17th to CELEBRATE OLIVIA'S 6th BIRTHDAY by enjoying a walk around Tempe Town Lake and raising funds for the MLD Foundation and Olivia's Fund.
Who is Olivia?
On August 11, 2004, at the age of twenty-seven months, Olivia Hoffmann, five and-a-half year-old daughter of Christine (Gootjes) and Eric Hoffmann, was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD).
In less than a year, this rare, terminal disorder caused Olivia to go from a healthy, smiling, bright-eyed little girl to a child who can no longer control any movement, talk, eat (she’s fed through a feeding tube), see, or even smile. You can learn more about Olivia here.
Olivia's Walk will begin and end at Tempe Beach Park ... Parking info here! Mill Avenue & Rio Salado Parkway: 80 West Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281.
Who benefits from Olivia's Walk?
There are two beneficiaries ... the MLD Foundation and Olivia's fund. The MLD Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 serving MLD families, increasing awareness, and influencing research for metachromatic leukodystrophy in the US and around the globe. One half of the funds donated go to the MLD Foundation and are fully tax deductible. The other half benefits Olivia's Fund for her ongoing care and medical expenses. Checks should be made out to the MLD Foundation - you will receive a receipt with the details of your donation. Learn more about the MLD Foundation here.
What is Metachromatic Leukodystrophy?
Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, inherited disease. People who are affected by MLD lack an enzyme in their blood called Arylsulfatase-A, (ARSA). Without this enzyme, sulfatides are NOT broken down and instead build-up in the white matter of the brain and the rest of the body causing destruction of the myelin sheath (demyelination). Without an intact myelin sheath there is a breakdown in communication between the nerves and the brain resulting in a progressive loss of physical and cognitive skills leading to early death. There is no cure yet, but with increasing research there is hope!
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Join this year's fun! |
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| Tempe Towne Lake is a beautiful, flat area in the heart of Tempe - perfect for a late spring walk! | 
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