Mia's Story
My granddaughter, Mia Jeanette Walts, died on October 29, 2011 from a genetic disease called Niemann-Pick Disease Type A. Mia was just 2 ½ years old. It was heartbreaking to see our little angel slowly decline over the course of about 2 years.
In honor of her life, plans are being make for the 7th Annual Miles for Mia 5K run/walk. The run/walk will be on Saturday, June 1, 2018 - location to be determined. The run starts at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Genetic Disease Foundation that is closely connected to Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Their work in the field of genetic testing and research awareness is remarkable. Their educational website is located at knowyourgenes.org. My goal is to educate people about knowing their heritage and if they might be at a high risk for passing on a genetic disease. A simple blood test may give that information. My purpose is not to support any type of decision with the genetic information, but to give people the knowledge.
I had never heard of Niemann-Pick and never knew that my family lineage would place us at a higher risk for passing on this genetic disease. As an educator, I find myself committed to seeking out information and sharing it with others whenever I can. I am dedicated to sharing Mia’s story with the hope of creating an awareness of genetic testing.
Dale Diane Love
Mia's timeline blog: http://npatimeline.blogspot.com/
Livingston Daily Article: http://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/community/2017/06/01/grandmothers-heartbreak-inspires-5-k-fight-genetic-disease/357943001/
In honor of her life, plans are being make for the 7th Annual Miles for Mia 5K run/walk. The run/walk will be on Saturday, June 1, 2018 - location to be determined. The run starts at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Genetic Disease Foundation that is closely connected to Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Their work in the field of genetic testing and research awareness is remarkable. Their educational website is located at knowyourgenes.org. My goal is to educate people about knowing their heritage and if they might be at a high risk for passing on a genetic disease. A simple blood test may give that information. My purpose is not to support any type of decision with the genetic information, but to give people the knowledge.
I had never heard of Niemann-Pick and never knew that my family lineage would place us at a higher risk for passing on this genetic disease. As an educator, I find myself committed to seeking out information and sharing it with others whenever I can. I am dedicated to sharing Mia’s story with the hope of creating an awareness of genetic testing.
Dale Diane Love
Mia's timeline blog: http://npatimeline.blogspot.com/
Livingston Daily Article: http://www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/community/2017/06/01/grandmothers-heartbreak-inspires-5-k-fight-genetic-disease/357943001/
