Without your incredible support, there is simply no way that Elise s Corner would be standing where we are today.

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1 First and foremost, Elise s Corner would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the amazing sponsors who graciously participated in our first fundraiser in November Without your incredible support, there is simply no way that Elise s Corner would be standing where we are today. You are all part of our family s incredible journey, and for that, we will be forever grateful. Page 1

2 When Elise s parents, Chris and Jenny Bonsky, received word of her diagnosis on that fateful Thursday morning in mid-november 2014, they were left feeling utterly devastated, helpless and alone. Hearing the news that their then 3-year-old daughter had Alexander Disease (AxD), a terminal neurological disorder one that would eventually strip her of everything that makes her the energetic, carefree, sweet child that she is today was simply too much for them to handle. They refused to simply sit back and wait. Elise, with her little sister and biggest cheerleader, Emmersyn Grace (Summer 2016). Elise s parents were determined to do something, anything, to help their beautiful child and all others affected by AxD. And they have. On Mother s Day in 2015, with the support and love from family and friends, the Bonskys launched the Elise s Corner Fund of Akron Community Foundation. Their mission has been focused on the following: Spreading awareness of AxD Aiding research efforts that will identify treatments, therapies and ultimately a cure for AxD Creating a support group for parents, relatives and friends of individuals with AxD Encouraging others to get involved On November 6, 2015, Elise s Corner hosted its first fundraiser, which raised nearly $500,000! For a cause that was barely in its infancy to host an event that attracted more than 500 people all for a disease that attendees had no prior knowledge of was simply unprecedented. To this day, we at Elise s Corner remain in awe of the incredible support received for sweet Elise. During this event, something else truly remarkable occurred. Drs. Amy Waldman (pediatric clinical neurologist, Children s Hospital of Philadelphia) and Albee Messing (lead AxD researcher, University of Wisconsin Waisman Center) were introduced, and have remained steadfast in their partnership ever since. Without the Event, it may have taken years to get these two very different, yet vital experts to coordinate, simply because of geography and budgetary constraints. The extremely generous donations from Elise s supporters have significantly expedited the timeline for an AxD treatment! Drs. Waldman and Messing are on the verge of a breakthrough with AxD they have identified an antisense therapy treatment for the disease and have even partnered with a biotech company to take the research to the next level! Page 2

3 Elise s Corner is committed to doing everything possible to make sure this treatment happens in Elise s lifetime. She will have the opportunity to drive a car, go to college, get married and have a beautiful family of her own. The Bonsky family believes this more than anything else. The year 2016 was a time to buckle down, focus on family health and get to work on granting much-needed funds in the AxD Community researching and putting together the puzzle pieces as to where Elise s Corner funds would make the most immediate, heavy-hitting impact. To date, Elise s Corner is incredibly proud to announce grants in the amount of $250,000! Here s the breakdown: In the spring of 2016, Elise s Corner granted $100,000 to Dr. Waldman at the Children s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This money went directly to the creation of a Natural History and Outcome Measures Study for AxD. Prior to approaching the FDA with a potential treatment, it is imperative that CHOP has key information gathered on AxD patients and how the disease affects each individual. This study requires that patients attend a three-day-long research visit at CHOP, which includes comprehensive swallowing studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and cognitive evaluations. To date, Elise s Corner has covered the research of 30 patients from all over the world! Additionally, in 2016 and early 2017, Elise s Corner committed $150,000 to Dr. Messing at the Waisman Center in Wisconsin. This money supports further evaluation of the antisense approach in animals (how effective is it and how long does it last; how many features of the disease can it correct; whether treatment is more effective before symptoms begin rather than later; and whether there are any discernible risks). Also, the funding is assisting with further characterization of a rat model, with a particular focus on symptoms experienced by human Alexander patients (difficulties in eating and swallowing as well as seizures) tests of learning and memory. Together, the outcome of these experiments will provide the essential foundation needed for the design of future clinical trials in human patients. Without the money provided by Elise s Corner, Dr. Messing s lab was in imminent danger of laying off experienced staff over the next several months something Elise s Corner refused to accept. Elise s Corner is making an enormous difference in the AxD community, helping move research forward at a speed that is impressive to both doctors and researchers alike a difference that would not be possible without YOU, Elise s loyal supporters. Please continue to stand proudly with us in Page 3

4 Save the Date Love I Hope I Cure Gala Presented by: When: Friday, October 6, 2017 Where: Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Cocktail Hour and Check-in Starts at 6 p.m. Dinner and Program Begin Promptly at 7 p.m. For Sponsorship Inquiries, Us at elisescorner@yahoo.com Follow us on Social Elise s Corner for Additional Event Details: Page 4

5 Platinum Sponsor - $15,000 Three tables (30 tickets) with company signage for the event including dinner, open bar, silent and live auctions and the evening s program honoring excellence in AxD research Company logo displayed on the Elise s Corner website ( for one year, plus any additional social media campaigns Acknowledgement as a Platinum Sponsor in the program Name/logo prominently displayed at the entrance and throughout the event Recognition from the stage as an event sponsor Tax-Deductible Amount: $12,600 Gold Sponsor - $10,000 Two tables (20 tickets) with company signage for the event including dinner, open bar, silent and live auctions and the evening s program honoring excellence in AxD research Company logo displayed on the Elise s Corner website ( for one year, plus any additional social media campaigns Acknowledgement as a Gold Sponsor in the program Name/logo prominently displayed at the entrance and throughout the event Tax-Deductible Amount: $8,400 Recognition from the stage as an event sponsor Silver Sponsor - $5,000 One table (10 tickets) with company signage for the event including dinner, open bar, silent and live auctions and the evening s program honoring excellence in AxD research Company logo displayed on the Elise s Corner website ( for one year, plus any additional social media campaigns Acknowledgement as a Silver Sponsor in the program Name/logo prominently displayed at the entrance and throughout the event Recognition from the stage as an event sponsor Tax-Deductible Amount: $4,200 Gala Sponsor Contact us Are you interested in supporting the event and cause but unable to attend the gala? Underwrite a portion of the evening and receive: Company logo displayed on the Elise s Corner website ( for one year, plus any additional social media campaigns Acknowledgement as a Gala Sponsor in the program Name/logo prominently displayed at entrance and throughout the event Tax-Deductible Amount: 100% Recognition from the stage as a sponsor of a specific part of the evening Page 5

6 Love I Hope I Cure Gala Hilton Akron/Fairlawn October 6, 2017 Presented by: Please select your preferred sponsorship level: Platinum I $15,000 Gold I $10,000 Silver I $5,000 Gala I (Varies) Gala $ Amount Print your name or organization as you wish it to appear in the program: Name / Organization Contact Name (if different) Street Address City/State/Zip Telephone Address Preferred Payment Plan Check made payable to Akron Community Foundation (345 W. Cedar Street / Akron, OH 44307), with Elise s Corner Gala in the memo line VISA MasterCard Discover Is this is a corporate card (Y/N)? Name as it appears on card Signature Card Number Exp. Date Elise s Corner is a fund of Akron Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Your tax acknowledgement will confirm your reservation. Sponsorships and tickets are non-refundable, but tickets may be transferred. Page 6

7 Please with the names of additional Gala attendees and any dietary preferences no later than by September 6, 2017 Name(s) Primary Address: Veg? (i.e. John & Mary Smith OR John Smith + Guest) Thank you for standing in Elise s Corner! Page 7