Kaylee’s Course raises $57,500 for research
Written by Vicki L. Kroll | | news@toledofreepress.comAbout 500 runners and walkers hit the trail Oct. 10 for Kaylee’s Course, the fourth annual race for progeria.
The event, which included a silent auction, raised $57,500, according to Tim Halko, Kaylee’s father.
“[My wife] Marla and I really appreciate the support we’ve received from the community. This is the most money we’ve raised so far,” he said, adding the first three races brought in about $110,000.
Funds will go to the Progeria Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering treatments and a cure for the condition.
“Kaylee is now old enough to know that she has progeria, and she understands that everyone at the walk was there to support her,” Tim said. “As her father, it’s a great feeling to see this many people care about your daughter and want to help find a cure.”
“With the advancements made over the past few years, we’re optimistic about Kaylee’s future,” Marla said.
Kaylee is one of 53 children in the world who has progeria, a rare, fatal condition characterized by accelerated aging caused by a gene mutation.
The 6-year-old kindergarten student at Monclova Primary School started the first clinical drug trial for progeria in 2007 and began a new triple-drug trial last month.
Kaylee and the Halkos will be featured in a TLC documentary tentatively titled “Old Before Their Time” scheduled to air in December.
Tags: Kaylee Halko, progeria, TLC
I had never even heard of this until the episode aired a couple of nights ago. I fell in love with little Kaylee and Lindsay too! I would like to do something to help, I am not a wealthy person but I am good at fundraising. I am in Tennessee, so if the Halko’s read this please reply and I will give you my contact info. Keeping the family in my prayers!
This comment was posted on December 16th, 2009 at 12:55 am-Christy