United against Lafora disease!

In honor of Lafora Body Disease Day on October 1st, Chelsea's Hope is fundraising to empower families to battle Lafora and help advance potential treatments!

October 1, 2026, should have been Chelsea’s 36th birthday. She loved life in a big way. We always seek to honor her memory and all those we have lost to this cruel disease as we fight for a better future. We will continue to recognize Chelsea’s birthday as a time to raise awareness of Lafora disease around the world.

October 1st is also International Coffee Day, which is why we have a unique theme this year: Coffee for Chelsea’s Hope.

We are asking supporters near and far to donate the amount of your typical drink to advance our mission. Your $5 gift (or $10, we see you, Venti lovers) might not cost you much, but will make a big impact for our cause.

Every $1 you gift leads to support for children fighting for their lives, answers for families feeling overwhelmed, and accelerated development of treatments.

Stay tuned for a special coffee lover’s giveaway for supporters on October 9, too!*

Can't donate, but want to help?

If you would like to set up a special Coffee for Chelsea’s Hope fundraiser, please click that “Fundraise” button. Email us at info@chelseashope.org with the subject line “Coffee for Chelsea’s Hope,” and we will be happy to support your fundraiser however we can.

See more ways to get involved on our webpage.

About Chelsea’s Hope Lafora Children Research Fund

Our History

As the only U.S.-based patient advocacy organization for Lafora disease, Chelsea’s Hope began as a website in the fall of 2007 to share Chelsea Gerber’s Lafora story with her family and friends.

Chelsea was spirited, joyful, and curious. She played softball and enjoyed learning in school. In 2005, Chelsea was diagnosed with Lafora disease. She was only 15. Because of the rapidly progressive disease, Chelsea lost her ability to speak, walk, or care for her basic needs and passed away in December 2016 at age 26. Chelsea’s story is similar to that of Lafora patients worldwide. As our founders before us, we want to save our children.

Chelsea's Hope became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2009, dedicated to raising awareness of Lafora, connecting families worldwide, and supporting research.

Our Mission

As a family-led organization, our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by Lafora disease and help accelerate the development of treatments.

Our Vision

Our vision is a world with effective treatments accessible to all children affected by Lafora disease.

Learn more about Chelsea's Hope. >

Together, we fight Lafora!

No matter the size, your contribution supports Chelsea's Hope and the worldwide fight against Lafora disease. Join us this Lafora Body Disease Day to make an enduring impact. 📣 Donate now. Share our mission. #FightLafora!

We use Givebutter to process these donations. It is a free fundraising platform for nonprofits. During checkout, Givebutter will automatically suggest a tip amount to support its services and add a processing fee to online transactions (which they will cover if you don’t want to pay processing fees; Chelsea’s Hope will not have to). This additional amount is entirely optional (and you can edit it to any amount, including $0) before you complete your donation. Any processing fee or tip will not support Chelsea’s Hope. You always choose to donate via check. Contact us if you need help making your donation or want to give in other ways.

*Coffee for Chelsea’s Hope Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions. No purchase necessary to win. One entry will be granted per donation/form completion. You must consent to receive emails from Chelsea's Hope. Donations strongly encouraged and appreciated! Winners will be drawn randomly on or around October 9, 2026, by Chelsea’s Hope team members. Winners' names will be shared publicly. Chelsea’s Hope staff, Board of Directors members, and their immediate family members are excluded from this contest. Donating will not increase your chances of winning. One prize per person. To enter without donating, complete all fields of the form. Incomplete entries are void. Submitting the form does not prevent you from donating if you choose to also support Chelsea's Hope Lafora Children Research Fund: https://forms.gle/QxV3ATdEyr1h6Toq9

Lafora Body Disease Day 2026

Coffee for Chelsea's Hope

Team Members