Caring Causes: Moms Uses “Giving Tuesday” To Find A Cure For Their Kids

While Black Friday allows people to get the things that they want for themselves, Giving Tuesday (on Nov 28^th) will allow people to give to others who may be in need for the holidays. In fact, the initiative has already raised $177M for organizations from donors around the globe.

That’s why it’s no surprise that community groups for children with pressing needs are looking to tap into this event --- especially organizations for kids with rare diseases who are still looking for a cure.

Meet Sara McGlocklin, a working mom who launched Hope for Marian, a non-profit organization that’s designed to help save the lives of children fighting a fatal rare disease called Niemann-Pick Type C (aka NPC), like her two year old daughter Marian. Marian and others face a cruel fate without a cure. NPC is a neurodegenerative disease that causes debilitating disabilities before end of life including dementia and the complete loss of the ability to move, swallow, and speak. There is currently no cure and children typically only survive five to fifteen years from diagnosis. As you can imagine, this is a heartbreaking fate no child should have to endure.

“Since launching Hope For Marian, I am deeply grateful for receiving so much support from the community,” said Sara. “But for Marian and other children’s survival, there is much further to go. That’s why Giving Tuesday is a great way to rally more support for children in critical need, like our daughter Marian.”

Marian is currently one of the youngest in the world on a clinical trial drug called VTS-270, that appears to be stalling the progression of NPC, giving her critical time to live. However, more funding is needed to develop and accelerate more therapies to truly beat NPC and allow these children and adults to live long and healthy lives. Pieces of the cure are starting to appear, but it will depend on the support NPC research receives whether they will materialize in time to save Marian and others fighting NPC today.  

By giving just $10 to Hope for Marian on Giving Tuesday, you will be helping to save the life of a child fighting NPC, and, every dollar makes the opportunity for survival brighter and stronger. 

Ultimately, while Black Friday will provide shoppers around the world with a great way to enjoy some value throughout the day, Giving Tuesday will provide donors with a chance to impact the lives of those in need for a lifetime. Support #HopeForMarian and #CureNPC.