Our Mission

Hope for Gabe partners with local organizations that frequently work with Gabe and other children with disabilities while still donating to the PMD Foundation in support of their mission to proactively serve those affected with PMD through programs of education, research, service, and advocacy.

Gabe's story

Gabe VandenBerg was diagnosed with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a rare condition that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).  At this time, PMD has no cure.  Fortunately, good people are working tirelessly to understand and eradicate this devastating disease.

 

Two years ago we formed Hope for Gabe, which allowed us to partner with local organizations, including for example, Mary Free Bed, that work directly with Gabe and other children with disabilities. Everyone’s generosity also enabled us to again contribute to the PMD Foundation which supports programs of education, research, service and advocacy.

Gabe is a charming and social boy who loves life. He stayed busy this school year after he was accepted into an inclusion program for kindergarten at Meadow Brook Elementary. He loves school and, of course, riding the school bus! We look forward to another great year of inclusion school for Gabe at Meadow Brook.

Gabe has numerous appointments each week where he receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. While he continues to make progress by gaining strength and achieving goals, Gabe still requires support to sit and stand. His continual hard work makes us proud everyday!

What We've Achieved

  • Last year over $90,000 was raised for the newly created charity, Hope for Gabe

  • The 5 year running total for funds raised for the PMD Foundation and other charities is more than $329,000

The PMD Foundation Purpose: This family driven foundation will proactively serve those affected by Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (the PMD community) by supporting programs of education, research, service and advocacy. We are dedicated to providing patients and their families with information about their disease and assistance in identifying sources of medical care, social service, and genetic counseling; establishing a communications network among families; increasing public awareness and acting as an information source for health care providers; and promoting research into causes, treatment, prevention and cure of PMD.

For more information on The PMD Foundation, please visit: www.pmdfoundation.org