Congenital Hyperinsulinism International's (CHI) annual Sugar Soirée brings friends and supporters together to celebrate the strength of the community and to raise funds to improve the lives of children and adults born with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), a life-threatening disorder that causes dangerously low blood sugar levels, and their families around the world.

CHI is equally focused on new treatments and a cure, so people with HI can lead full and long lives not ruled by blood sugar level, where they can eat normally and participate in all the activities they choose. A "future without lows" will happen when everyone born with HI has access to medication, surgery, blood sugar testing supplies, or a cure. CHI's vision is to end brain damage and death from the condition and for HI families to live without fear of hypoglycemia.

In honor of this year's Sugar Soirée, I am teaming up with my co-members of the Junior Committee to raise $10,000 to support a bright future for babies, children, and adults; where HI is promptly diagnosed and those with HI do not suffer preventable brain damage or death.

CHI's commitment to increasing awareness and advocating for the prompt diagnosis of HI is especially important to me. My brother Ben -- who is now a thriving adult thanks to the support of his excellent doctors, nurses, family, and friends -- received his diagnosis too late. Due to sustained low blood sugars that went untreated in his first days of life, Ben has low vision, epilepsy, motor coordination issues, and learning disabilities that affect his daily life. Thanks to CHI's amazing work, many more babies born with HI receive timely diagnosis and treatment to keep their brains safe.

I'm hoping you will join me and the dedicated members of the Junior Committee in supporting CHI!

Warmly,

Hannah