Both my mother and mother-in-law are affected by VCP disease, a rare genetic condition that gradually erodes muscle, bone, and brain function. Though they experience it differently—my mom through Inclusion Body Myopathy (IBM) and my mother-in-law through Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD)—the toll it takes is devastating.

My husband Brandon and I are caregivers for his mom, Araceli. This week, as part of the I CANMOVEment Challenge, we’ll be helping her complete everyday tasks that most people don’t think twice about—but for her, they’re real challenges. Araceli needs assistance to move at all, yet she continues to fight. Our goal is to help her preserve the abilities she still has through consistent physical and mental stimulation—the only therapeutic option available right now.

But we believe that’s not enough. We want to change the future—for our family and for others—by helping fund research that brings us closer to real treatment options and, ultimately, a cure.

Through this virtual move-a-thon, we’re raising money to support critical research efforts already in progress—but they need continued funding to move forward. No child should have to watch their parent slowly disappear into someone they no longer recognize. No person should lose their sense of identity to this disease.

You can help by:
• Joining our team and starting your own movement challenge
• Donating to support this cause
• Sharing our story with your friends and family

Your support means everything to us—and brings real hope to families like ours. 💙