This year will be my 9th time participating in the annual CHOC Walk event. I walk every year for my oldest daughter, Emory Mae. Emory will be 12 this month. That is 12 years of loving her, caring for her needs, and watching her grow into an incredible young woman. Emory was born with a cleft palate, which led us to discover she has Stickler Syndrome. SS is a connective tissues disorder. Emory actually falls into the smaller percentage of those with Sticklers who develop this from a spontaneous genetic mutation in the womb. I had never heard of it until we were told she had it, and we did not know until after she was born. Emory is doing very well. We stay on top of everything with her team at CHOC, and many specialists. Stickler Syndrome is a disorder affecting the eyes, ears and joints. This is why she wears glasses, and has since she was very young. She does not yet need a hearing aid, but she has a difficult time hearing certain frequencies, especially if there is a lot of noise around her. She also gets chronic ear and sinus infections. She gets tired more easily than most children, and has started to have pain in her legs as she is getting older. Emory has had multiple surgeries, tests, doctor visits, and therapy. I am so thankful and blessed everyday that Emory has this disorder that I am able to handle. . . But not all children are this lucky, and have far much worse to endure. That is what this foundation is for. We must all be advocates for our children and all the children who need the help CHOC can provide. I am so excited to be participating in CHOC Walk's 30th anniversary event - CHOC Adventure in the Park presented by the Disneyland(R) Resort to raise funds for CHOC! Children count on CHOC to help them get better. Which is why this year's event will be reimagined so we can once again join together as a community. Please help me exceed my fundraising goal for the benefit of the children and families of Southern California by: -DONATING NOW by clicking the "Donate" button above. All donations go directly to CHOC! Every dollar counts for kids! Many Thanks & Blessings, Jamie