Hello! My name is Shelly and I'm the proud mommy of a little girl with PKU, named Hannah Rae.
When my husband Rick and I got the news that our precious new baby had something wrong with her, we were devastated. What was this PKU, how was this going to affect our lives, will we be cheated out of the daughter that we were supposed to have? Obviously the answer to that question was "NO". I know that now, but as all new PKU moms know, it takes a minute to get there. It is because of that, that I decided that I had to help make a difference. I had to get out there and make people aware of what PKU was. In order to help get this accomplished, I got with MACPAD about starting a Chapter for the State of Ohio & proudly agreed to be the Chapter's Chairperson.
Even though I am thrilled with the fact that being a MACPAD Chairperson will allow me to raise money for research, my heart lies in awareness and support. I want the community and other new families to know what PKU is and then to know that it's ok. I have a bunch of ideas & I can't wait to get started!
I'm fortunate to have an extreme support team. From my mother-in-law Betty who cares for Hannah while I work, to my parents Pam & Steve who accompany me to all of Hannah's Clinics to my husband Rick and our son Drew! Everyone that is apart of Hannah's life is continually learning with us, sharing ideas and just being there for support. I hope everyone is as lucky as we are!
Hannah can't eat protein, so what, I'm allergic to the sun...