Raleigh Families Raise $20,000 to Find the Cure for Rare Neurological Children’s Disease

Raleigh, September 20, 2011 – On Sept. 10, more than 120 Raleigh families and friends gathered at the Rolesville Ball Field, behind Rolesville Elementary School for the second annual Raleigh Walk 2011 and 5K race to help find the cure for Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC). Matthew Wuchich, 4, and Kaylin Wimbush, 2 1/2, were the guests of honor at the event which raised $20,000 in cash & donations which will help to fund the next phase of research on the cause of AHC.

Presently there is no cure for Matthew, Kaylin and the children who suffer with AHC, a permanent and painful neurological disorder that causes attacks of temporary paralysis that can last minutes or days. The walk is a fundraising and awareness-raising event organized largely by parents, relatives and friends of children who are afflicted with AHC.

This successful event was a fun day for the committed group of parents, volunteers, sponsors and the children who were eager to participate. The mission of AHCF is to find the causes of AHC and effective treatments or cures while providing support to the families and children with AHC. The foundation is funded entirely by family fundraising efforts and activities, like this walk.  “We are especially grateful for the support of our community, volunteers like the Cary Teen Council, Boy Scout Troop 365, Activate Good and our sponsors,” says Jeff Wuchich, President of AHCF (Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation) and Matthew’s father. The Raleigh Walk 2011 was sponsored by Time Warner Cable, Title Sponsor, Galaxy Marketing, LLC,  Walk Sponsor and our Mile  Marker Sponsors: Heidi Joy Photography, Coordegy, Cardinal Party Rentals, Quality Plus Automotive Services, KIX 102.9, Rising Sun Pools, Kerr Cares for Kids Foundation, Capitol Pediatrics, and McDonald’s of the Triangle. “It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of support in the community for Matthew, Kaylin, and all those suffering from AHC.  The event is a testimonial to the enduring American spirit of service to those in need,” says Wuchich. The AHC Foundation was formed in 1995 to raise awareness and funds for genetic research to find the cause, treatment and ultimately a cure for AHC. Research grants and ongoing fundraising efforts have enabled researchers to begin the work necessary to map the gene that causes AHC and begin new genetic testing with a greater sample of patients, which will aid in identifying the cause of AHC. To make a donation or for more information on Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, visit the AHCF website www.ahckids.org,  AHC Kids Foundation Facebook Page and @AHCKids on Twitter