Meet Luci: George Chmiel's Inspiration

Here she is. Luci is George's inspiration in running across the Sahara.

She is a charming three-year-old who suffers from panhypopituitarism. It causes her hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency and partial diabetes insipidus. Her little system is not strong enough to fight off a common cold. In spite of all of that, she loves to read and play with the family dog.

Jolie and Mike (Mommy and Daddy) have to give her medicine and injections everyday. And the frequent flier miles are accumulating between home and Texas Children's Hospital.

How do they do it? With the support of other families of children with growth disorders Luci they met through The MAGIC Foundation. Networking at the annual convention MAGIC holds in July. Meeting professionals who deal with growth disorders everyday and can provide accurate information and treatment.

The MAGIC Foundation is a501(c)(3) charity which operates on donations. Jolie and Mike host a "Walk for Luci" each fall to benefit MAGIC.

This year George Chmiel is going to run across the Sahara Desert to raise money and awareness for panhypopituitarism for MAGIC. And he leaves in five days. And this is where he is going:


Are you up for 155 miles across THAT? ^^^

George is tackling it after only running for two years. If he can do that, what can you do to help save a child? How about some ideas?

• Stop by George's page on MAGIC and donate directly to the cause.
• Pass this link to everyone you know who cares about children or has a special needs child.
• Go to George and Luci's website to learn more and donate.
• Join The MAGIC Foundation. Your membership will get special families the information and help they need for their special children.
• Let your doctor know about The MAGIC Foundation. Let your clinic get the best information available to diagnose children properly.
• Learn more about the disorders which affect children and are effectively treated with growth hormone.
• Show your support by joining The MAGIC Foundation's cause on Facebook, inviting your friends and donating.

George is only $18,000 away from the total goal of $53,000. Would your employer or physician sponsor George or donate directly to MAGIC? Help support a champion.

Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request. All proceeds from Virginia's Dream are been donated to the Autism Research Foundation from now until December 31, 2009.

What would you do to save a child?

The time has come to turn a new page and begin a new adventure.

As most of you know, I spend an inordinate amount of time promoting non-profit organizations in their various endeavors to make our planet a better place. Now, I am making a commitment of a larger proportion.

I shared with you my personal story of choosing human growth hormone for our son. Now, I would like to share with you another, more touching, more courageous story.

George Chmiel is going to run (not walk) 155 miles across the Sahara desert. Let that monumental undertaking sink in for a moment. Why would anyone do that? You ask.

Luci Horvath. She is 3 years old. She has panhypopituitarism. All of the hormones produced by her pituitary gland are decreased, and the condition will last her whole life.

George is a family friend who saw the daily struggles of this family first hand. He wants the world to understand this rare disorder which affects Luci. To do just that, he is going to run across the Sahara Desert.

All of the money he is raising is going to the MAGIC Foundation*. MAGIC is the premiere authority on growth disorders affecting children.

So, I have to ask you...What would you do to save a child?

Charitably yours,
Ann Marie

*MAGIC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity. All donations to MAGIC Foundation are tax deductible.


Visit Virginia's Dream. International shipping available on request. All proceeds from purchases through December 31, 2009 from Virginia's Dream are being donated to the Autism Research Foundation.