Courtney Kaler is asking the community for help in raising money for a rare disorder her sister Aleesha has.
“My main thing is to make people aware of the disorder and let them know someone in the community has it,” Courtney said.
Aleesha, 17, suffers from Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a very rare neurological disorder that can cause anything from mild weakness to complete paralysis of one or both sides of the body for varying lengths of time.
Only one in 1 million people are suspected of having the disorder.
“A lot of doctors don’t know about it because it’s so rare. We, the family, had to do our own learning about it,” said Courtney.
In late February, the AHC Foundation launched a campaign called 1 in a Million, in which they hope to raise $1 million to research the disorder.
According to the foundation, researchers are verging on discovering the cause of AHC, and they are hoping that will help lead to a cure.
Courtney said Aleesha is a big fan of basketball, swimming and bowling. She also has a great sense of humour. Still, while Aleesha might look perfectly normal, she suffers migraines and frequent seizures.
“The disorder is progressive so we’re actually noticing that it is getting worse. Her walking is getting worse,” she said, adding that she expected it [would] keep getting worse into adulthood, despite the disorders name.
Donations can be made online by visiting www.ahc2012.org and clicking on the link that says ‘Donate Now.’
Those who are uncomfortable providing their credit card information online can make a donation to Courtney in person, and she can make the donation for you. She can be contacted at 250-814-9256 or by e-mail at courtneykaler@telus.blackberry.net. She is asking donations be made in tribute to Aleesha Kaler.
“To help with this fundraiser would mean a lot to all of us,” Courtney said.