This July, Kris, Makenna, and I will be traveling to Chicago for Magic Foundation's 21st Annual Convention. This will be the first time Kris and I will have the opportunity to meet other families with the same condition as Makenna as well as others that have growth related illnesses.  This year, Magic has teamed up with Adrenal Insufficiency United for the 1st time and is going to offer quite a few sessions on Adrenal Insufficiency.

Makenna was born with a genetic form of Adrenal Insufficiency.  Her form of AI is an autosomal recessive disease; both parents must carry the gene in order for child to be effected, resulting from mutations of genes for enzymes facilitating the production of cortisol from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. She's required to take medication daily to sustain life.  She takes her gluccocorticoid (cortisol replacement) 3 times a day and her minerocorticoid (for her salt-wasting) twice a day.  During times of illness, trama, or extreme stress she requires more; sometimes double or triple the amount of a normal dose.  This is given to mimic what the body should be making during times of stress on the body.

Cortisol often called the "stress hormone” is vital to life. Its job is to help maintain basic daily functions such as blood pressure, heart muscle tone, sugar, salt balance, electrolytes, and so much more. Just as a Diabetic must take insulin to live, those with Adrenal Insufficiency must take cortisol replacements (steroids) to live. During times of illness and injury, people who don't have  adrenal insufficiency naturally produce up to 10X the normal amount of cortisol . This extra cortisol is needed because the body must work harder to maintain it’s normal functions until the illness has passed or the injury has been treated so that it is no longer causing extra stress on the body. Since those with adrenal insufficiency can’t produce enough cortisol to begin with, an immediate additional dose of hydrocortisone is necessary to prevent an adrenal crisis. An adrenal crisis can lead to shock, heart failure, disability and even death. Until the cortisol levels are increased so the body is able to maintain its functions, no other treatment will be effective.

Adrenal Insufficiency United is a non-profit organization formed by volunteers who have dedicated their time and funds to the cause of raising awareness for those who suffer from Adrenal Insufficiency. These people have become my friends and online family. The money we are raising is going to pay towards the speakers we have hired for the 2015 Magic Foundation Convention.  We have to pay for their time, room & board, and travel.  Please help make this a successful convention for all those affected with growth and/or adrenal disorders.

Please Join Makenna's Fundraising Team!

Any little bit will help!!