Alice was born on November 4th, 2020 and diagnosed with AHC on February 3rd, 2021. Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder that affects one in a million children. AHC is characterized by attacks of paralysis, involuntary muscle spasms, uncontrollable eye movements, changes in muscle tone and sometimes seizures. This can last anywhere from a few minutes to days and can cause cognitive and physical impairment or delay. These episodes are usually triggered by the unavoidable -- bright lights, loud noises, crowds, extreme temperatures, temperature change, water exposure, phyisical activity, odors, foods, emotional response, medications, and fatigue.

AHC is often referred to as "7 disorders in one"--
Stroke, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's, ADHD, Autism, and Alzheimers.

There is currently no cure. AHCF, Cure AHC, and Hope for Annabel are partnering together to help fund research to develop a cure. It takes family and friends coming together to help raise awareness NOW! Time is of the essence for these kids; the older they get the less likely they will be eligible for clinical trials. Let's be apart of something huge not only for Alice but for other children with AHC.

Their future depends on it.

With funds raised from the AHC Foundation, we will support AAV gene therapy and other research related to the project.  We believe a path has been identified to a viable permanent treatment: gene therapy.  The gene therapy we propose will involve inserting a functional copy of the ATP1A3 gene into a virus (an adeno-associated virus or AAV) that has been stripped of its harmful payload and its ability to reproduce. The virus will then be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid and will carry the functional gene to the cells in the brain that are failing. By delivering additional functional copies of the gene, we should be able to rescue those cells, and treat the disease permanently. 

Learn more about the project here.