Will you pledge to help make a difference?
Go to bfbfct.com to learn more and donate!
These patients are just a few of the many children who you will be helping with your donations to Birdies Fore Brighter Futures!
(Click the link below each patient photo to watch a video of their story)
Jackson
Facing the Future with Positivity and Laughter
Meet Jackson, an eleven-year-old who loves slapstick comedy, funny books, cars and trains. Jackson was born with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare genetic condition that affects the central and peripheral nervous system. MLD causes a progressive decline in motor and cognitive functions, so Jackson and his family face a future filled with many unknowns. Read Jackson’s story and discover how he and his parents keep their focus set on hope, acceptance and positivity.
Read Jackson’s Full Story
Ellie
A Journey of Resilience
Meet Ellie, a remarkable 14-year-old with a rare autoimmune disease. Her response upon learning her diagnosis reflects her determination: “How much school will I miss?” Despite her busy schedule and love for sports, Ellie’s focus remains on her education. A softball incident raised concerns, leading her on a medical journey filled with uncertainties. Discover Ellie’s inspiring story of resilience, as she faces challenges head-on and embraces the possibilities that lie ahead.
Read Ellie’s Full Story
Alex
A Rare Diagnosis at a Rare Moment in Time
Meet Alex, a smiley four-year-old with a fondness for balls and exploring the outdoors. When Alex was four months old, he had his first seizure right as the world was about to shut down for COVID. An MRI at Connecticut Children’s revealed that his brain was smooth, instead of having the normal ridges and bumps, a rare congenital condition called lissencephaly. His other health challenges include epilepsy, cerebral palsy and cortical visual impairment. Read more about how Alex and his family are meeting the challenges of a rare illness.
Read Alex’s Full Story
Audrey
Arthritis Can’t Slow this Busy Teen
Meet Audrey, an energetic 16-year-old with a jam-packed calendar and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own joints, causing extreme swelling and pain. It can go into remission for long periods of time and then return. Over the years, Audrey’s arthritis has moved from her hands and fingers to bigger joints like her jaw and ankle. Discover Audrey’s inspiring story of resilience and perseverance in the face of chronic pain.