Glycogen Storage Disease
Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a (glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency, von Gierkes disease,) is a rare genetic metabolic disorder centered in the liver. In children afflicted with GSD1, a specific enzyme that breaks down certain carbohydrates, including glycogen (a stored form of sugar,) is either missing or not functioning properly. Because of the missing /impaired enzyme, the body cannot create glucose from glycogen and it is difficult to maintain normal blood sugar levels between meals without constant feedings. Glucose is the essential energy source for every cell in the body. Dangerous by-products such as lactate, uric acids and triglycerides in combination with low blood sugar leads to numerous complications in GSD1 including impaired breathing, seizures, coma and death if a very strict dietary regimen is not followed. My daughter Olivia has Type 1a.
I will use this space to detail our own fundraising efforts and to post information about other efforts to raise research funds. All of the funds that we raise are turned over to The Children's Fund for Glycogen Storage Disease Research ( http://www.curegsd.org )
Lillapalooza 2005 raises almost $4,000!
On Tuesday October 18th we hosted a concert at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA. The show featured two groups that I work with Doublewide and Caravan . We had a silent auction which raised over $1,000. I would like to thank all of the wonderful people that donated so generously to the success of our event.