Hello friends!

I'm Brittany Markham, Damian's mom. My son is the happiest and sweetest little boy, always excited to read books, sing songs, and give snuggles. I was obviously devastated when he was diagnosed with a rare terminal disease called Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD), sometimes nicknamed "Baby Alzheimer's."

When Damian was born he seemed perfectly healthy, but just before he turned 2, he began regressing in his development. It was like we were living his life in reverse as he lost skill after skill. The doctor who gave us the diagnosis said there was nothing that could be done and suggested we just try to appreciate the short time we had left with him (babies with this disease typically do not live to be 3). That was unthinkable to me. I couldn't just let this happen.

After his diagnosis, we were able to find and contact the physician with the most experience with this disease in the US and she told us that our doctor was 100% wrong. There was absolutely something we could do. She introduced us to the Wylder Nation Foundation - the only organization laser-focused on treating the fatal neurological degeneration that occurs in this disease. We found out that not only had this collaborative team of scientists and researchers been working together for a long time on the solution to our specific problem, but they were finally very close to having a treatment ready for a human trial. 

Since then, we have been fighting to fundraise the money necessary ($3 million) to expedite their treatment development in time to save my son's life.

We have raised nearly $1.1 million so far, and because of our campaign and the many people who have helped us come this far, Damian is now on 2 treatments, with additional treatments further along in development. Damian's regression has certainly slowed down and we just celebrated his 5th birthday, but he is still getting progressively weaker.

We did not come this far to only come this far. We are determined to go the distance and save my sweet Damian. And what's better - this treatment does not just help Damian. Treatment for him means treatment for ALL babies fighting this awful disease. 

Thank you so much for joining our fight. Every dollar truly helps. Every share truly helps. They say "many hands make light work" -- I KNOW with enough help, we can reach $3 million in time. 

The best way to help us:

1. Donate if you are able (no amount too small!)
2. ‘Share’ to spread the word
3. ‘Follow’ Updates to stay informed or follow me on social media @PleaseSaveDamian or our blog at www.SaveDamian.com

Thank you so so much. Your help means the world to me <3