ABOUT US
About Us: Fostering Friendships, Transforming Lives
At Ascent2aCure, we believe in the power of connection and the transformative impact it has on children living with Juvenile Myositis (JM) and their families. Your generous donations don't just support a cause; they ignite a chain of life-changing events and relationships.
Our Origin: A Story of Connection
Our journey began with a simple yet profound connection between two children, Ryan and Natalia. Brought together by their shared experience with JM, they quickly formed a bond that has only grown stronger over time. Their story, starting from sharing encouragement on IVIG infusion days to exchanging supportive messages, is where the idea of Ascent2aCure's camp took root. We envisioned a place where connections like Ryan and Natalia's could flourish among many more children and families.
The Camp Experience: A Network of Friendship
Fast forward to our recent camps, and the dream has become a beautiful reality. The lasting impact of the camp is evident in the instant connections made among the children. Within moments of leaving the campgrounds, the airwaves of MessengerKids buzzed with activity. Girls from as far as Alaska and Washington State to New York and New Jersey were already deep in conversation, sharing laughs, playing games, and sending each other goofy photos.
Uninhibited Joy and Acceptance
These friendships extend beyond texts and games. They're about feeling accepted and comfortable in one's own skin, exemplified by moments like children FaceTiming each other with chocolate-smeared faces, uninhibited and joyful. The first call came in even before we made it out of the driveway - a testament to the instant and profound connections formed at the camp.
Our Mission: Beyond the Camp
What started as a dream to connect a few has now become a thriving community. At Ascent2aCure, we are committed to creating an environment where no child with JM ever feels alone. Our camps are more than just a fun getaway; they are a haven of acceptance, empowerment, and lifelong friendships.
Your support helps us continue this mission, ensuring that every child with JM finds their own Ryan or Natalia, a friend who truly understands. Together, we are not just changing lives; we are crafting a world of shared experiences, support, and unbreakable bonds for these incredible children and their families.
Our mission is to create a community of support and build relationships between children with Juvenile Myositis and their families.
“Raising a child with a rare disease is like a never ending marathon. Every time you think you’re reaching the top of the hill, or the turn around location, there seems to be another bend in the road. It’s requires an incredible amount of stamina and endurance to stay in the race. But we have no choice, right? There’s no way we’d quit on our kids...”
— Michael Parnell, Founder Ascent2aCure
MEET OUR BOARD
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Michael Parnell
PRESIDENT / FOUNDER
"I can't change the fact that my daughter Ryan has JM, but I can make an impact on how it makes her feel by making sure she's not alone in this challenge."
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Erin Parnell
TREASURER
“Serving on the board of Ascent2aCure means so much to me because I feel strongly that these kids with JM won’t ever have to feel alone. When you are a child going through such a difficult time fighting a rare disease, it’s important to be connected with other children who completely understand you. What better way to foster these connections then at a camp where you are having fun, not worrying about your illness and just plain being a kid. I truly believe the connections these kids will make, will last a lifetime and I’m so thrilled to be apart of it.”
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Bree Hagen
SECRETARY
It was serendipitous that while training for an ultra event, I was given the name of someone battling JM to add to my dedication summit request. I searched “JM” on the internet, I wasn’t sure what this little soul was battling, my eyes were quickly opened and I knew there was more to come. Being asked to sit on the Board for Ascent2aCure, creating opportunities for those with JM to connect, adventure together, and form unshakable bonds, when they otherwise may have never met, how could I not want to be part of that! My internal algorithm is proactive inevitability, “Your life and what you do with it today……matters forever.” ~ Butterfly Effect. The work we have done, and continue to do for these kids and families will have an immeasurable impact on their future. In the words of Andy Andrews, “You’re always one decision away from a completely different life.” Ascent2aCure Foundation is providing a platform for these kids to connect in a way that will absolutely be life changing. In the words of our President, Michael Parnell, “If not us, then who.”
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Jim Carter
TECH ADVISOR
“Supporting Children in the health and education space is incredibly close to my heart, and brings me the greatest joy to see the impacts my efforts make.”
