Join us as we raise funds for groundbreaking research for RFC1 disease and take part in the first UCLA fundraiser auction of its kind! Yes, that means we're pretty much making history over here, folks!

RFC1-CANVAS Syndrome is a recently discovered degenerative and disabling neurological disease that causes disturbances of balance and coordination (cerebellar ataxia), changes in sensation (neuropathy), and inner ear dysfunction (vertigo), alone or in various combinations with an onset of 35 years of age and over. To put it somewhat simply, the disease is genetic and caused by a repeat expansion within both the maternal and paternal copies of the RFC1 gene. The disease can present itself differently for everyone, but will usually be a combination of cerebellar ataxia (balance and coordination impairment or poor muscle control), sensory neuropathy (chronic pain and/or loss of sensation), dysautonomia (malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system such as fatigue, trouble swallowing, nausea and anxiety), vision problems, unsteadiness when walking or standing (that worsens in darkness, on uneven ground, or with head motion), vertigo and chronic cough. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consider seeing an ataxia specialist at a designated Ataxia Center of Excellence or speak to a neurologist, and if possible, one who specializes in movement disorders.

This auction was created to fund The Grant Family + UCLA Foundation RFC1-CANVAS fundraiser as they work to reach a goal of $50K (they are already almost half way there)! Fay Grant, co-founder of The Tote Project, was diagnosed with RFC1 disease last year and with our help we can find a cure in her lifetime. Your bid for the items in this auction will help countless people struggling with this disabling disease.

To learn more, read Fay’s top story on TODAY!

Christina Scherer's Original Lion Artwork: "Strength"