A group in the Fox Valley is hosting a fundraiser, benefiting SOFT.
SOFT is a network of families and professionals supporting families of children diagnosed with Trisomy 18, 13 and other related chromosomal disorders.
According to Ann Hameister, a chapter chair for SOFT, parents are told during diagnosis that their child will die before, during or immediately after birth. They are also told that the odds of their child reaching their first birthday are only about 5-10%.
Hameister said while many of these children are stillborn or live for only a brief time, there are children who survive for months even years. SOFT provides families with support during prenatal diagnosis, throughout the child's life and after the child's passing.
On February 25, 2017, a fundraiser will be held in honor of SOFT. SOFT hosts a yearly conference for our families in different locations around the US. This year will be SOFT's 31st Annual Conference and it will be held in Wisconsin this summer. The conference provides families with educational and medical resources, and the chance to connect with and support others going through the same struggle. Medical professionals are also involved in the conference in hopes to encourage research and raise awareness of the chromosomal disorders.
The fundraiser will help to raise awareness locally of the chromosomal disorders of Trisomy 18 & 13 and all proceeds will help defray the cost for families to attend the SOFT Conference this summer.
The fundraiser will be held at Classic Lanes in Neenah. In the afternoon, there will be a Family Friendly Nine Pin Bowling Jamboree. In the evening, there will be a Black Tie Dinner and Dance. We will also have the pleasure of Alec Ingold, the full back from our Wisconsin Badgers Football Team, share some words of encouragement.
