Canavan disease charity helped by donor
Posted Monday, June 04, 2007
Even though life is already full of challenges for Buffalo Grove resident Ilyce Randell and her family, they found one they couldn’t resist.
Randell’s devotion to raising funds for research for Canavan Disease and related neuro-degenerative disorders led her and her mother, Peggy Shapiro-Nyeholt of Des Plaines, to an anonymous philanthropist who likes to fund small charities through his foundation.
“He has pledged to donate $18,000 if new donors will make donations to the not-for-profit foundation,” said Shapiro-Nyeholt.
The foundation was started when Randell’s son Max was diagnosed with Canavan as a baby. Now 9 years old, he and others have gotten treatment that has been funded by Canavan Research Illinois.
“Each dollar is really worth two dollars thanks to this man,” said Shapiro-Nyeholt. “He hopes people will be inspired to give because their dollars will be doubled.”
The money helps people with ALS, multiple sclerosis and other neuro-degenerative disorders.
To donate, write to Canavan Research Illinois, P.O. Box 8194, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. The Web site is www.canavanresearch.org.