Haidyn’s mom Carrie is facing her life-long fear of heights to help fund research that could save her daughter.
Carrie Fowler’s biggest, most-crippling fear has always been heights. Flying on a plane, climbing a ladder, driving mountainous roads, or adventuring the Grand Canyon, all terrify her. And she’s always been adamant that she would never skydive.
But in March 2020, her 5-year-old daughter Haidyn was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative and fatal disease Sanfilippo Syndrome. Sanfilippo is often likened to Alzheimer’s in children.
All of Carries fears were replaced with the overwhelming idea of my child suffering a devastating disease and watching her body shut down with each passing day.
“My husband [Caleb] and I decided immediately after receiving her diagnosis that we had to light a fire for all of the children that are suffering, will suffer or have already passed from Sanfilippo Syndrome,” said Carrie.
Inspired by Haidyn’s daily battle with fears and anxieties because of Sanfilippo Syndrome, Carrie and Caleb decided to face their fears.
“I can only imagine how fearful she is as each day becomes harder and more confusing,” said Carrie. “If she can continue to fight, face her fears and always show unconditional love through it all, then we surely can face what now seems to be such a minor fear, and jump out of a plane in honor of our Haidyn.”
Be a part of the Face Our Fear Skydiving Challenge.
Carrie and Caleb are skydiving on Saturday, Aug. 1, to raise awareness and donations for research to find a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome.
They have created a dedicated the “Face Your Fears Skydiving Challenge” fundraising site.
Some close family are willing to join and jump in order to help fundraise.
Anyone can help by making a donation and/or sharing this adventure with friends and family.
For those feeling especially bold (ready to face your own fears and discomforts), you can join Carrie and Caleb as a fundraiser, whether as a skydiver (in Cedarville, GA, or wherever is convenient for you) or virtual participant.
A little friendly competition at stake.
To bring a little light-heartedness, Carrie and Caleb are each fundraising individually. The amounts each raises will determine the jumping order on Saturday, Aug. 1. The one with the greatest amount of donations will be the last to jump.
“I am determined to make everyone else jump before me, so I’ll be working hard to raise donations so I can keep my feet on the ground for a few extra minutes!” pledged Carrie.
Will you help Haidyn?
Children like Haidyn do not deserve to suffer at such a young age and have their time to live a beautiful and healthy life cut so short.
Carrie is facing what was once her biggest fear to help raise awareness about Sanfilippo Syndrome. Your support turns her hope for a cure into research action.
Donation and fundraising support Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which accelerates research to find a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome.
