Above / Naperville community continues to rally behind Jump Family with a benefit at Danada House on Oct. 19, following a recent fundraiser at Rosebud’s, lemonade stands and other generous donations to raise needed funds for costly testing, round-the-clock treatment and research to cure rare leukodystrophy. (PN File Photo)
UPDATE, Oct. 12, 2017 / The benefit gala has been sold out.
“It is very exciting for our little hero we love so much,” said Dee McHale, Alec Jump’s grandmother.
For more information about rare leukodystrophy and Answer 4 Alec with opportunities to donate, visit www.answer4alec.com. Thank you very much.
Naperville, Ill. – A Fundraising Benefit Gala at the Danada House is planned 6-11PM on Thurs., Oct. 19, to benefit Answer 4 Alec.
Answer 4 Alec was started by dear family and friends of Alec Jump, a toddler who was diagnosed with leukodystrophy in late 2016.
The community is welcome to lend its support to the Gala, which will include open bar, white glove passed hors d’oeuvres, carving stations and live entertainment. The fundraising at the Gala, including a silent and live auction, will play a critical role in raising the essential funds to support Alec’s parents, Julie (McHale) Jump and Kyle Jump’s, costly and urgent need to get answers and save their son.
A limited number of reservations is still available for $150 each.
All proceeds, 100 percent, from the Gala will go to benefit Answer 4 Alec.
Danada House is located at 3S501 Naperville Road in Wheaton.
Raising awareness for rare leukodystrophy
An extremely rare Genetic Brain Disorder, leukodystrophy currently has no cure. Possible treatments, such as gene therapy and enzyme replacement, are still under investigation and their benefits may depend on timing and symptoms. In order to save Alec’s life, additional testing and a more specific diagnosis is needed even before treatment options can be reviewed. Those additional tests can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with minimal to no insurance coverage. Once Alec’s specific form of leukodystrohy is diagnosed (there are many types of the disease), the journey of treatment can begin, but the family’s expenses will be staggering.
“We are so humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community, our family, and friends,” stated Julie and Kyle Jump, Alec’s parents. “We never anticipated walking this journey with our son, but have hope that all of the efforts will build awareness for leukodystrophy and help Alec, as well as other children living with this very rare disease.”
The same community where Julie and Kyle grew up has rallied behind Answer 4 Alec’s cause with a singular goal to help financially support some of Alec’s critical medical needs and associated expenses. From kids’ lemonade and apple stands throughout the city to an aggressive social media campaign, the Naperville community is committed to providing answers for Alec, organizers said.
“Our youngest grandson, Alex, is a beautiful little boy with a fantastic disposition,” said Dee Greer McHale, expressing gratitude for all the generous support in recent weeks. “He doesn’t realize his limitations and works very hard every day with his Mom, Dad and therapists. His smile is contagious. Each little victory that he achieves brings a big grin on his face and a warm place in our hearts.”
“He’s a fighter!” added his grandfather, Geoff McHale.
For more information about Answer 4 Alec with opportunities to donate, visit www.answer4alec.com.
Answer 4 Alec
Answer 4 Alec is a team of friends, family and community members who are helping 22-month-old Alec Jump survive his diagnosis of leukodystrophy through fundraising. Alec Jump, from Naperville, Ill., was diagnosed with the Genetic Brain Disorder Leukodystrophy in 2016. His diagnosis will require ground-breaking treatments that are still in their infancy, and will put an unthinkable financial burden on his parents, Julie (McHale) and Kyle Jump.
The mission of Answer 4 Alec is to support the family’s journey through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. For more information and/or to donate, visit www.answer4alec.com.
Story submitted by Liz Whelan for Answer 4 Alec.
