From press release

Feb. 14, 2010, history happens! You can be part of a much-needed miracle for a special little boy. Four-year-old Carter Goranflo battles Late Infantile Batten Disease, which threatens to take his life. Treatment that could possibly save it will cost his family $1 million.

Two weeks ago, his sister, 7-year-old Hailey, tragically lost her battle against the same neurological disease that destroys brain cells. Hailey’s uncle, Rockford resident Mike Roberts, has been actively involved in the fight since the beginning. In 2008, he brought the story to Rockford’s attention when he acquired two autographed guitars from Rick Nielsen that were auctioned off for $5,000, and again when Hailey was blocked from boarding a flight inVancouver, which spread to national news.

For almost two years, her community in Louisville, Ky., became a part of the family’s plight as they searched for a cure. Sadly, Hailey’s little brother, Carter, also has the disease, and now he’s struggling to stay alive. Treatments to save Carter will cost $1 million.

Cornell University in New York has a trial study that hopes to develop not just a way to prolong his life, but to cure his illness. Now the family is taking matters into their own hands in an effort to raise the funds. In a day and age where a video of a laughing baby on YouTube can get millions of views, the family is confident they can drive 100,000 people to their site (www.haileyandcartersdream.com) to leave a simple gift of $10.

The key is that each donor also share the story with at least four people, then they tell four more, and so on. It’s what they’re calling “the Valentine’s Day Miracle.” Already, since the press conference held at O’Shea’s Pub in Louisville Sunday, Jan. 31, donations have begun pouring in. Many people are not waiting until Feb. 14. “And that’s perfectly all right with us,” says Miranda Goranflo, Carter’s mom.

The family hopes as many people as possible will make a $10 donation, spread the word to others, and then those others will keep the momentum going. Any monies above the million-dollar goal will go toward further research and help for the fight against this and other rare diseases.

Anyone who wishes to help should visit www.haileyandcartersdream.com, where they can read the full story and make their $10 donation on or before Valentine’s Day.

From the Feb. 10-16, 2010 issue