<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stargardt's disease <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>is a type of macular degeneration which is typically diagnosed before the age of 20. It is an inherited genetic disorder that causes a progressive loss of central vision of both eyes, but does not affect peripheral vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Symptoms include blurred vision, a deterioration of central vision, a central blind spot and difficulty adapting from bright sunlight to a dimmer room.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three years ago, my youngest stepson Robbie was diagnosed with Stargardt&rsquo;s at the age of 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He has no central vision and relies entirely on his peripheral vision which he has learned to adapt to and copes with admirably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>At school, George Watsons College, Edinburgh, he has been fantastically supported with low vision aids, a specially adapted Mac and lessons &amp; learning material provided in large font typefaces. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is the extent of the deterioration to his central vision has levelled out over the past few years, and is not anticipated to regress further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>However, his loss of sight is permanent and neither is there any known prevention or cure currently, which will have significant impact on what he is able to do as he gets older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is an uncommon condition and subsequently not as much investment has been made into research for possible treatments as has been invested into more common diseases and conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In November 2010 it was announced that the FDA has approved the injection of human embryonic stem cells into the eyes of 12 patients affected by the disease, the study of which is beginning this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Early trials of gene therapy in small animals have also provided some positive results. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>We cross our fingers....</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please help support the funding for this vital research needed to understand more and hopefully find a possible cure, by sponsoring me in running this 10K in May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a family- myself, Ken, Robbie and Jamie agreed our resolution for 2011 was to all find ways to raise sponsorship for both Stargardt&rsquo;s research and also to support the Family Foundation of George Watsons College....so watch this space!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks so much for your support. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>