Hope Happens

The Mitchell and Friends Foundation was recently honored at the 18th Annual Evening of Hope, sponsored by Hope Happens. Hope Happens is a philanthropic organization raising money for The Hope Center at Washington University, which performs cutting-edge research and collaboration into neuro-muscular disorders. Mitchell Syndrome is currently being investigated by Wash U doctors and scientists at The Hope Center, and we are proud to be affiliated with such an established and highly regarded group.

Hope Happens was founded following the death of Chris Hobler from ALS, in 2002. As we got to share Mitchell Herndon’s story with the 200+ people in attendance, several in the crowd commented that Mitchell reminded them of Chris. Chris was a talented young man with a loving family and bright future. His death inspired his supporters and friends to do whatever they could to save others from his terrible disease. Years later, this devoted community is carrying on Chris’ legacy, to great effect.

It was a tremendous honor meeting this group and finding such alignment in our goals and histories. Hope Happens gave us a picture of what can result from even the most devastating circumstances, if you never lose hope.

To learn more about The Hope Center at Wash U, visit hopecenter.wustl.edu/about/

To learn more about Hope Happens, visit hopehappens.org

(Pictured above: Top Left, Dr. Timothy Miller of Wash U, with Matt, Michele, and Miranda Herndon; Top Right, Mitchell-Friend Elizabeth Cook and Mitchell-Grandma Dianne Herndon; Bottom Left, “Men in Black” Brandon Schmidt and Maxwell Herndon; Bottom Right, some crazy girl who got let into the party.)