Hannah Raskin-Gross

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm so thrilled to participate in this year's Million Dollar Bike Ride in Philadelphia to raise research funds for congenital hyperinsulinism (HI). The need for new treatments, improved diagnostic testing, and a cure for HI is more urgent than ever.

HI is a life-threatening disorder that causes dangerously low blood sugar levels. Prolonged or severe low blood sugar can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death.

As many of you know, HI is close to my heart. My brother Ben was diagnosed at one week old. During his first week of life, Ben had prolonged, extremely low blood sugar, which has resulted in lifelong challenges with vision, motor coordination, and learning. We are so lucky that Ben has had access to incredible medical care since his diagnosis and has been able to live a happy, fulfilling life. Many families are not as fortunate -- in addition to funding research, Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) works every day to connect people with HI from all over the world with access to quality care and lifesaving medications.

Since Ben's diagnosis, thanks to cutting-edge research, we've seen improved diagnostic testing, new treatments, and even a cure for one type of HI. However, there's so much work to be done.

New treatments are needed! Your fundraising dollars will be used for innovative, pre-clinical, or clinical studies designed to improve the diagnosis, therapy, or quality of life for those affected by HI. The first $30,000 we raise will be matched by the University of Pennsylvania, our partner in funding research. That means your donation will be worth double the amount.

Thanks to all of you, CHI has raised nearly $800,000 for HI research over the past ten years. Will you join me in funding research for a brighter future?

Much love,

Hannah