What is AHC (Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood)?

The disorder causes episodes of complete or partial paralysis of the body that can last for minutes, hours or days. During episodes, brain damage can occur and cause temporary or permanent loss of cognitive and physical abilities. Children with AHC often have associated symptoms such as lack of muscle tone, painful stiffening of the extremities, erratic eye movements, developmental delays, mental retardation and seizures. The cause(s) of AHC is/are unknown and there is no known cure for the disorder. AHC is a degenerative disorder.

What can I do?

Spread the word! Public awareness will help more children and adults to be properly diagnosed.

Ask more questions!

Visit www.ahckids.org or visit http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/afha/ and learn about the various issues affecting children and families with AHC.

Be a part of the AHC Fundraisers:

2008 Holiday Bazaar on November 1, 2008 in South Windsor, CT (more info)

2009 Spring Fling Silent Auction Dinner Dance on May 2, 2009 at the Hartford Hilton (more info)

$5 Raffle Ticket for a Motorcycle (more info)

Buy an AHC Cookbook (coming soon)

Find out what people are doing to help:

For more infomation on upcoming events, questions or comments you may call Olga A. Gerber, AHC Fundraiser Coordinator (860) 680-9410.

In 2006

CT Dept. Of Correction: Raised funds by dedicating a "Dress Down Day" within the Central Office staff. $2 was donated for every staff member that "dressed down" on that day. (read the letter)

Mary Felman & Family: contacted all of her friends and family with information about the Spring Fling and requested donations for AHC research.

Scott Janicola: Dedicated a 100 mile bike ride from Long Island to Montauk. He raised awareness and collected pledges for AHC research. (read the letter)

Beth Shaw: Hosted a "Pampered Chef Party" at her home to help raise funds for the AHC foundation. All the benefits and credit were given to the foundation. (read the letter)

In 2008

Cathy Callahan: Hosted a "Simply Tasteful" party at her home to continue to raise awareness and collect funds for the AHC foundation. All the benefits and credit were given to the foundation.

Harrison Felman: For his Batmitvah raised and matched donations for AHC. (read letter)

South Windsor HS Honor Society: Held a concert with the band “Long Story Short”. All proceeds benefited the AHC Foundation.

Turgeon Jewelers: Created a crystal necklace with a butterfly emblem especially dedicated to AHC children and families. All proceeds benefit the research of AHC. If you are interested in purchasing a necklace, call Mike at Turgeon Jewelers. (more info)

Where does the money go?

The mission of the AHC is to raise monies to fund research and raise awareness in both the medical and public communities. The vision is to find a cure for AHC and to identify others who have been misdiagnosed."