Hi Everyone!

We are the BayoU Sunflowers: Jr Chefs Zolana, Yazjarie’a, and Aniyah. Our Give Back Program is called “Sunflowers Ba YoU.” We named it that because, it’s with your support that we are able to help our communities. In winter of 2022, we partnered with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association in a quest to raise awareness and funding for the research into Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a neuromuscular disease. We were able to combine it with our yearly spring fundraiser at the BayoU GatorCraw Fest (BayouGatorCrawFest.com), April of last year. Together, we raised $1500+. This coming Spring we plan to meet and beat our goal of $5000. 

Last year, Jr Chef Zolana was able to attend Camp Footprint, a camp for kids with CMT. If you are wondering if she has CMT, she does. We found out over 3.5 years ago. After seeing her struggle for years before having the diagnosis, we knew we wanted to encourage her to stay strong. After, learning the diagnosis, we vowed as a family to encourage others through awareness and fundraising. In turn, we were introduced to this wonderful camp called Camp Footprint. Zolana’s spirit was changed! She was able to meet others who experience life as she does and develop life-changing skills to help her to overcome the challenges ahead.  This camp is free for children 10-17 years of age; and, is made possible by donors like YoU! 

Join us in helping change the world of those who suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth!

See more @ BayoU Sunflowers Give Back Program “Sunflowers Ba YoU”

“It made me very sad to watch my cousin hurt and not be able to do the things we do. But when Zolana went to Camp Footprint and had so much fun, I was so happy!” -Jr Chef Aniyah

“It’s been really hard to see Zolana grow up with so much pain and struggle like that. I’m glad she went to Camp Footprint and learned more about CMT. -Jr Chef Yazjarie’a

“I’m happy I got to attend Camp Footprint last year. I made lots of friends and learned a lot about CMT!” -Jr Chef Zolana

As a Charcot-Marie-Tooth community member your occasion, actions and life events can help the CMTA reach a world without CMT! Create a fundraising page and spread the word. Need help or more information? Contact Bayou Sunflowers at BayoUSunflowers@BayouGatorCrawFest.com