THE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME FOUNDATION: WE HOPE

by The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation

Tyler Gallant

Greetings! We are Tyler and Angela from Toronto, Ontario and it's a privilege to be able to participate in a fundraiser to support the mission of the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation!

A year ago, our family went through a dark time as our 3 year old daughter Brielle was not only diagnosed with Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome, but also suffered life-threatening complications as a result of her condition. As parents struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis and what this would mean for our families' future, the NSF provided incredible support, resources, and helpful guidance that was of tremendous assistance as we learned to navigate our new 'normal'. Brielle was also very fortunate to receive a 'Backpack Of Hope' from the NSF, which we are so thankful to have received. It helped Brielle to feel connected to other NS warriors who are facing the same battles.

In gratitude, we are quite excited to pay it forward and help other children and their families - Brielle loves to dance and loves all kinds of music, something passed down by her father who has been a DJ for 20+ years. So she decided to make it into a celebration - BRIELLE'S BEATS OF HOPE!

Our Mission: The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting those diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, their families and the ongoing search for a cure.

Background: Nephrotic Syndrome is a serious and rare auto-immune disease that attacks the kidneys causing them to shut down. There is no known cause or cure. Treatments are extremely limited and consist primarily of steroids, cancer, and transplant medications. Many patients are children who spend a major part of their life in and out of the hospital, trying to find a treatment that keeps them in remission while managing the side effects. Receiving this diagnosis is life-changing. It can take the breath out of any parent or child who finds themselves in this situation. Our goal at NSF is to meet each family and child in these tough times and lift each one up as best we can by providing financial and emotional support to help them weather the times to better health, acceptance, and adjustment.