Run for Princess Chloe

Hello. My name is Tabitha Turner. I am excited to announce that I will be running in Disney's Princess Half Marathon on Feb. 24 for Chloe Bredeson, a 6-year-old with tuberous sclerosis complex, epilepsy and polycystic kidney disease. Chloe travels from South Carolina to Cincinnati Children's Hospital twice a year for hospital visits. Proceeds will help cover the family's travel expenses.

"Don't be scared. God is with me." That's something you might hear little Chloe Bredeson say when things get scary.

Life became frightening for Chloe at age 3, when she started having seizures. After a trip to the emergency room and a few days in the hospital, she was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. 

TSC is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow in the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, skin and eyes. It's the number one genetic cause of epilepsy and autism.

Because of TSC, Chloe has a brain tumor called a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. She has other growths in her brain that are called tubers. They are the cause of her seizures. She has white spots all over her skin called hypomelanotic macules. And she has lesions in her left eye. Thankfully her heart and lungs are not affected.

But her kidneys are another story. Five months after being told she had TSC, Chloe was diagnosed with another genetic disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease. This has caused tons of cysts to grow all over both of her little kidneys. The biggest problem with PKD has been high blood pressure. Chloe takes two medications to keep her blood pressure controlled. She will eventually need a kidney transplant, and with epilepsy there's always the possibility of brain surgery in her future.

With Chloe's conditions come a lot of struggles - finances being one of them. Although insurance covers most of her care, it does not cover travel expenses. The family drives from South Carolina all the way to Cincinnati Children's Hospital twice a year for checkups. Despite the tough economy, the Bredesons make it a priority to get Chloe everything she needs, even if it means other bills don't get paid. 

Please join me in helping this family give their little girl the fighting chance she deserves!