A Letter From the Kaufman Family

Mark Seril ADHD Genetic Research Fund

Michael Phelps, Olympic medalist, Ty Pennington, host of Extreme Home Makeover, Charles Schwab, investor and Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinkos have all identified themselves as having ADHD. Despite this debilitating genetic condition which effects upwards of 21 million people in the US alone, they have gone on to do amazing things! Unfortunately, that is not the happy ending for every child.

For those of us who have lived with the devasting consequences of severe ADHD, hope is what we cling to...hope the school won’t call today; that the next report card will be better, that our child will have a close friend for more than a month; and with the most severe cases, hope they will graduate; hope they will hold a job; hope they won’t end up in jail, hope they will not die.

Today we have a new ray of hope through genetic research! We’ve got a mountain to climb first though.

Although it has been well established that ADHD is inherited, the genes responsible for risk and protection remain to be discovered. This is likely because many genes are involved, each of which contributes only a small part of the story. Scientists from all over the world are collaborating to find these genes.

In 2003, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recruited 500 families with ADHD children who generously provided blood samples to isolate DNA. This is one of the largest collections of family-based samples in the world. Recent advances in molecular genetics are being applied in the search for the underlying genes that cause ADHD. Scientists at CHOP have recently encouraged us by telling us that in part due to this wonderful support from the local ADHD community, it is very likely that in the near future ADHD genes as well as environmental factors that turn these genes on and off will be identified. Once the causes of ADHD begin to be identified, the results will help to determine the best way to develop more effective medications and possibly preventative strategies that will transform the clinical management and the lives of children! In addition, there is hope that these discoveries will eventually lead to cures.

We don't have to tell you how difficult it is to find funding and support for behavioral health issues. But look how far we have come! Over the past 20 years, grassroots fundraising efforts and support have brought about dramatic changes that have improved the lives of ADHD children and the families who struggle to give them their best. It's time now to take the next steps.

Won't you please consider joining us as we CLIMB TO A CURE!

Thank you so very much, The Kaufman Family

We are creating this fund in loving memory of Mark Seril who died in an automobile accident at the age of 19. Mark did not have ADHD but as children with ADHD grow up and become teenagers they have a significantly greater number of vehicular crashes. 40% of teens with ADHD have experienced two or more driving accidents, while the rate in the general population is 5.6%.