Hi, I'm Mel, Executive Director of the GFPD and mom to Ginny, Jack, and Avery.

August is a special month for my family. I have a birthday on August 1st and my first daughter, Ginny was born on August 5th.

Ginny was diagnosed with a peroxisomal disorder (per-ox-is-ome-ul) disorder, a very rare disease. Peroxisomal disorders are genetic disorders that can cause vision and hearing loss, global developmental delays, adrenal insufficiency, neurological issues, and feeding issues, and are almost always terminal in childhood.

At the time of her diagnosis, there wasn't any support, and almost no information for parents. But, I was determined to help my daughter and others like her. In 2010, I co-founded The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders (GFPD) to help families, like mine, facing this diagnosis.

Today, the GFPD provides families with educational and support resources and works with scientific partners on research initiatives.

My family is honoring Ginny's Sweet 16 with a fundraiser. Join me and Ginny's siblings, Jack & Avery, with a gift to the GFPD to celebrate Ginny's life.

Treatments, and one day a cure, are on the horizon and we invite you to make a difference in the lives of Warriors like my sweet Ginny.