Friends, Family, and Community
We are writing to you today with a very special request. As many of you know, two of our three children, Reagan (3) and Casey (1) have a rare genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which affects their ability to move, eat and even breathe like normal children. SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under 2 years old in the US today, and unfortunately there is currently no cure and very little in the way of treatments or therapies to slow the degenerative process. Without a cure or effective treatment plan, Reagan and Casey will eventually lose the use of their muscles, effectively becoming paralyzed and require mechanical ventilation and feeding to stay alive.
We have researched and explored every possible treatment option for our children and have found several research groups that are using stem cells to treat children like Reagan and Casey. This treatment offers the possibility of gaining muscle strength and mobility as well as slowing the progression of their degenerative condition. We have recently been accepted into a specialized stem cell program overseas, and they believe our children are ideal candidates for the procedure.
Stem cell transplantation is costly and not covered by insurance. The cost for the treatment and hospital fees is $35,000 each. There will also be airfare, transportation, food, housing, etc. during our four week stay abroad. We have only a few months to raise approximately $80,000. This is where your help is desperately needed.
A fundraising campaign in Reagan and Casey’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making an end of year tax-deductible contribution.
It is never easy to ask for help and now is certainly no exception. Reagan and Casey are so very special and have touched so many lives in a positive way. At times like this, the assistance of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and the community is crucial to help ensure a positive outcome.
On behalf of all of us, thank you for your kindness, generosity, support and prayers. God bless you all.
Cricket Goforth
704-860-6729
cricket.goforth@mattressfirm.com
Trent Goforth
704-689-8084
trentcgoforth@hotmail.com
Updates (7)
December 30, 2013
Sadly, on December 24th our little man, Casey has gone to get his angel wings. Casey was only here for a short time but he left a lifetime of love behind. If you would like to make a contribution in his memory or to support Reagan click on the Donate Now button or call
800-642-8399.
December 21, 2013
I haven't updated the blog in a while.... I have been doing a lot on FB. We have our first fundraising event scheduled for January 4, 2014. We will be hosting a walk and stroll-a thon at Chapel Grove Baptist Church in Gastonia NC. If you would like to participate please let us know.... we can use walkers, sponsors for walkers, prizes to be donated for the raffle, volunteers for the event and people to get the word out!!! If you would like information please email me at cricket.goforth@mattressfirm.com so that I can send you the information packet. We are very excited about this event and hope that you all can be there with us!!!!
November 14, 2013
Hello Everyone!!! So we have our official dates for treatment----- March 2-29!! Now we can begin planning for flights, hotels, and transportation. It will take us a week on either end of the treatments to complete travel.... since the kids can't fly for more than 8 hours at a time. Silver lining is that we get to see some great places along the way :)
We are hoping to organize an actual fundraising event in the near future..... if you are interested in being involved in a fundraiser event please let me know!!!
We have made some big strides in donations and I am amazed at all the people that have shared our story! Thank you so much and just know that we love you all!!!
November 7, 2013
Hello again!!! So we are wanting to do a small video on our family and the kids so that people who do not know us personally will be able to see our crazy wonderful kids. We are not experienced in any of this and would like to get in touch with local news stations to help get the story out as well........... but aren't getting much of a response :( Anyone that has experience in this department and would like to give us some pointers or help get our story out is much appreciated!!!!
November 4, 2013
OMG!!! We have had a BIG jump in donations......... I cried when I opened the page this morning and saw that we had over $800 in donations! That means so much to us.
We have started our doctors appointments to get everything in line for the trip next year. Its starting to really become "real" for us. We are very excited but nervous at the same time. All of our doctors and therapists are very hopeful for what this can mean for Reagan and Casey.......... and for their other children with SMA and/or similar conditions.
I will keep everyone updated and look forward to reading more of your words of encouragement on our page!!!
November 1, 2013
Hello Everyone!! This is my first blog about this exciting new opportunity for Reagan and Casey!!! As most of you know, Reagan and Casey have a condition called SMA that results in severe muscle weakness, developmental delays, and can affect their ability to breathe, eat, and move.
Currently there is no cure for their condition and that is the source of our frustration and fear! We do not want to lose our children..... and more importantly we want our children to live full lives and be able to realize their dreams.
Recently our physical therapist found this research program that offers real hope for parents and children battling SMA. There is a new treatment study that is using umbilical stem cells to help treat children like Reagan and Casey that has shown significant improvement in muscle strength, motor function, and mobility!! They have also seen a slowing in the progression of the condition so that the children are able to maintain their mobility and muscle strength longer. We have been going through the process to get Reagan and Casey accepted and we FINALLY have our acceptance :)
We are truly ecstatic about what this means for our children and their future!!! As a parent you have dreams and aspirations for your children and when those are ripped away, it can be devastating. Now we see this opportunity as our HOPE for our children. We still have dreams and aspirations (even if they are a slightly different than we had first imagined) and we want to do everything we can to help our children achieve those for themselves.
We have created this website and blog to help us raise the funds needed to allow our children this amazing opportunity. The research and treatment facility is in Thailand and we would be away for 6-8 weeks for travel and treatment. The total cost we are estimating to be around $80,000 for both children......... none of which is covered by insurance. This is why we need the help and support of our friends and family to make this happen!!!
I appreciate all the love and support our children have received from everyone and hope that we can turn this dream into a reality for them!!!
Guestbook
November 2, 2015
Reagan, it was great to see out on Halloween. We hope you enjoy the candy. We look forward to seeing you soon. Our love and prayers are always with you.
Ann Marie and Randy Brown
December 30, 2014
We love reading Reagan's updates! Sounds like an exciting trip for you two. We are praying for you guys daily!
Ken and Susan Murphy
December 5, 2014
I am wishing you all the very best on your trip to Thailand! Safe travels and I can't wait to see you all when you return. I love you all so much!
Auntie Sarah Astroth
April 27, 2014
I am sending continued prayers to your family. I have two special needs children of my own so I can understand your continued struggle with medical expenses. May your beautiful child get the treatment that is needed. God bless your family.
Jackie Reyes
March 1, 2014
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet you at conference.
I hope the treatment goes well for your little one. Your family is so strong! I will be praying for all of you!
Clarisa Miranda
December 31, 2013
Lisa and myself will have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jarrod and Lisa Fraley
December 29, 2013
When the time comes we will be walking and donating for this family!!! I encourage anyone to donate!!! We need Casey's legacy to live on and Reagan to have continued hope!
Michaeline Aulick
December 28, 2013
Our donation is in memory of Casey and support of Reagan. Our thoughts are prayers are with you Cricket and Trent.
With love, the other Cricket
December 28, 2013
We are praying for god to heal your children. Put your faith in him! Read JAMES 5:14 The prayer of faith!
GENE & JANET KNOX
December 27, 2013
Trent and Cricket, hoping and praying this treatment helps.
Becky Stewart
December 26, 2013
Goforth Family you are in my families thoughts and prayers.
Steve Hoppensteadt
December 24, 2013
Goforth family-
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from our family to yours.
Cory & Abby Ludens
December 21, 2013
We love and miss you guys very much! You can count on us to continue to offer prayers and support. God Bless!
Norman & Shannon Marino
December 20, 2013
Cricket, going all out with you & Trent to help raise money for your F
Leon & Gail Garrett
December 20, 2013
What beautiful children you have! Thinking of you all during this holiday season. Sending a gift by mail to HHL, and prayers your way.
Carrie & Ryan Vinson
December 20, 2013
I'm going to do my best to help raise money in my store and through friends and family. I will continue to pray for your family!!!
Valerie Jones
December 19, 2013
Wayne Brothers Inc. will be donating $500. We wish you a Joyous Holiday Season and Very Happy New Year!
Jason Sisk
December 16, 2013
I don't have much but I do have the power to create a following to help!
Vanessa Burgos
December 12, 2013
Prayers for them and your whole family!!!
Lori and Erik
November 13, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Diamonds
November 12, 2013
You are in our prayers. Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. — Matthew 7:7-8
The McWhorter Family
November 12, 2013
Your family is in my daily and nightly thoughts and prayers. May the good Lord wrap his arms around your family and ease the heavy burden that weighs on your shoulders and hearts. Much love and admiration for your courage.
Rachel Joslyn
November 12, 2013
May God continue to bless you and your family and may you continue to find pleasure in the little things.
TJ Hathorne
November 12, 2013
Praying for you guys to reach your goal. Keep being awesome parents! xoxo
The Murphy Family
November 12, 2013
Thinking of you guys!! Heart you!!
Christal
November 11, 2013
You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all! XOXO
Kristen Gullo
November 8, 2013
Also consider contacting http://www.smasupport.com for help with insurance coverage. In the bonds ...
adam sustak
November 8, 2013
you all are in our prayers - Adam N
Adam Noyes
November 8, 2013
We're praying for you guys.
Brent C
November 8, 2013
You guys are in our prayers.
Ryan W
November 7, 2013
May God's devine protection and healing wrap around Casey and Reagan and your entire family!
Andy Rickman
November 7, 2013
Please contact the Muscular Dystrophy Association they may be able to assist in the cost of these treatments.
We have also send out a message to the Pi Kappa Alpha, Zeta Xi Alumni Association explaining the seriousness of the situation and you can look for additional contributions from Trent's brothers. In the bonds of phi phi K A
Bob Barber
November 5, 2013
I am Reagan and Casey Aunt. Trent's sister and may I say I am one luckly sister to have such and amazing brother Trent Carl Goforth and an excellent loving sister-in-law Cricket Goforth and GODS Gift amazing Niece and nephews Reagan Marie Goforth, Casey Daniel Goforth and TJ jr. How I say luckly and blessed this is what I mean, I am so proud of my brother and sister-in-law and of my niece and nephews this is one hard not giving up family that I have ever seen in my life this family is a go getter and I am honored to be part of it! They have been through so much not just a little bump in the road but a hard journey and no matter what comes there way, they stand up against it like a stack of bricks! I could go on and right a book to tell how amazing they truely are not just because they are family but who they truely are by heart and why we would appericate every donation to get the care that my niece and nephew are but if you know anything what so ever about Trent and Cricket Goforth and there precious family you will not hesitate to donate and we really appericate everything! I love you guys and your always in my prayers!
Love ONE Proud "Aunt Bessy" Beth Hopper and The Hopper Family
November 3, 2013
Can't wait to hear the good news and watch the miracles take place!
Lauren Newman
November 2, 2013
Lots of luck in this adventure with your little ones! With parents like y'all I know they can and will do anything! Tell my birthday buddy Reagan and brother Casey I am rooting for them! <3
Mary O'Keeffe
November 1, 2013
Cricket and Trent y'all are such wonderful parents. There is not enough words in the dictonary to begin to describe how wonderful y'all actually are. Reagan and Casey I love you both more then words can describe. Although I never see y'all I pray for y'all daily. Y'all are so strong. Keep up the fight we are all here for support. Love y'all all like buzz to infinity and beyond !!
Ashlee "pebbles" Mobley.
November 1, 2013
Good luck! I will share this with all of my family and friends and I truly hope you get what you need!
Vicki Williams Whitmoyer
November 1, 2013
I am happy to be the first to sign the Gorforth guestbook and look forward to the journey of helping Reagan and Casey fight SMA!
Sarah Astroth, proud "Auntie" of my Goforth Babies!
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Reagan Goforth
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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